Thinking about Turkey

We’ve heard crazy ideas from folks on how to thaw a turkey. Everything from putting it in the trunk of the car, to a cooler in the garage to the clothes drier (note: none of these are recommended.) The best place to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator where it takes about 24 hours to thaw each 5 pounds of turkey. A thawed turkey can stay in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. A 15 pound bird should have about 3 days to thaw while a 20 pound bird would take 4 days to thaw in the refrigerator.

• If you forgot to thaw the turkey, it can be cooked directly from the frozen state. It’ll take 1 -1/2 to 2 times as long. So if the instructions say 4 hours you better put it in the oven 6 to 8 hours before you will need it if it is frozen. It is a good idea to cover the top with foil when it gets brown.
• Smaller families and those that prefer white meat may consider roasting just a turkey breast this year. Our recipe data-base has instructions: see PDF below or members can click here Roasted Turkey Breast 
• No matter what type of turkey you cook, use a thermometer to insure it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees

• By taking the skin off your turkey breast (3 ounces) you can save 28 calories
• By eating skinless white meat (3 ounces) instead of skin-on dark meat you can save 5 grams of fat and 53 calories.

May you have a happy and healthy holiday.

Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University