Since Thanksgiving only occurs once a year, there aren’t many opportunities to practice making a Thanksgiving turkey, which usually ends in disaster. However, you can master the art of cooking a turkey if you do your homework and learn the fundamentals.
Do your homework so you won’t have to worry about making one of the numerous mistakes that have become all too common. We’re here to warn you of all the potential pitfalls.
Here are all the things that can go wrong when cooking a turkey in your home, along with simple solutions to prevent them. It’s really easy once you know what you’re doing, we promise. Advertisement.
*Note: The USDA recommends all turkeys be cooked to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum safety. As you can see below, we typically advise taking the bird out of the oven when its temperature reaches 160. However, this is because the bird’s temperature will continue to rise until it reaches 165 or higher after removal from the oven. Just make sure it ultimately reaches 165.
Don’t let turkey trouble ruin your Thanksgiving!
We all know the feeling: you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, the turkey is in the oven, and everything seems to be going smoothly. Then, BAM! A turkey emergency strikes. Don’t panic! We’ve got your back with solutions to the 7 most common turkey emergencies:
1 The Turkey is Done Too Early:
- Relax and rejoice! You’ve got some extra time to make the gravy without the usual last-minute pressure.
- Keep the turkey loosely covered with foil and set it in a warm spot to maintain its temperature.
2 The Turkey is Taking Too Long:
- Don’t despair! There’s still hope.
- Raise the oven temperature and continue roasting until the breast reaches the desired internal temperature.
- Cut off the legs and thighs and return them to the oven to finish cooking.
- Serve the white meat while the dark meat continues to cook.
3. The Turkey is Browning Too Fast:
- No worries! This is an easy fix.
- Simply cover the turkey loosely with foil to slow down the browning process.
4. The Turkey is Not Browning Enough:
- Don’t fret! We’ve got a solution for that too.
- Raise the oven temperature to encourage browning.
- Alternatively, mix 2-3 tablespoons of honey or molasses with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Brush the turkey with this glaze – the sweet stuff and butter solids will accelerate browning.
5. There Aren’t Enough Juices for the Gravy:
- No problem! We’ve got a backup plan.
- Keep a few quarts of purchased organic chicken stock on hand to use as a substitute.
6. The Serving Plate Needs a Little Dressing Up:
- Don’t stress! We’ve got some easy decorating ideas.
- Pomegranates, oranges, pears, grapes, and bunches of fresh herbs will transform your platter of turkey into a masterpiece.
7. The Oven Has Stopped Working:
- Don’t panic! We’ve got a plan B.
- Cut the turkey into large pieces and cook it on top of the stove in a covered Dutch oven or a couple of covered skillets.
- Alternatively, follow our instructions for how to grill-roast a turkey.
Remember, these are just a few tips to help you navigate common turkey emergencies. With a little planning and resourcefulness, you can ensure a delicious and stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.
Additional Resources:
- Bon Appétit’s Thanksgiving Recipes: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/holidays-events/thanksgiving
- Turkey Cooking Tips: https://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-turkey-recipes/how-to-cook-a-turkey
- Thanksgiving FAQs: https://www.marthastewart.com/834033/thanksgiving-faq
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Since Thanksgiving only occurs once a year, there aren’t many opportunities to practice making a Thanksgiving turkey, which usually ends in disaster. However, you can master the art of cooking a turkey if you do your homework and learn the fundamentals.
Do your homework so you won’t have to worry about making one of the numerous mistakes that have become all too common. We’re here to warn you of all the potential pitfalls.
Here are all the things that can go wrong when cooking a turkey in your home, along with simple solutions to prevent them. It’s really easy once you know what you’re doing, we promise. Advertisement.
Read up, and you’ll be fine come the big day.
*Note: The USDA recommends all turkeys be cooked to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for optimum safety. As you can see below, we typically advise taking the bird out of the oven when its temperature reaches 160. However, this is because the bird’s temperature will continue to rise until it reaches 165 or higher after removal from the oven. Just make sure it ultimately reaches 165.
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