Women over 45–How long have you been cooking Turkey?
But still–Couldn’t we all use a few reminder safety tips?
Here’s a few precautionary Thanksgiving Turkey measures from the NSF International:
TURKEY PREPARATION SAFETY TIPS
1. Don’t let uncooked turkey sit at room temperature. Shop for a turkey last and get it home and refrigerated promptly. Bag the turkey separately and place it below other food in the refrigerator.
2. Don’t attempt to thaw a frozen turkey quickly by leaving it sit overnight on a kitchen counter. Use one of the following methods:
Option I – Place a covered turkey in a shallow pan on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator.
Option II – Completely submerge the turkey under a stream of cold (70°F) running water.
3. Never place the turkey directly on the counter; keep it on a platter or in a roaster. Clean and sanitize the counter and utensils after handling raw turkey.
4. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw turkey, using plenty of warm water and soap.
5. Use a thermometer to check for doneness, even if the turkey has a pop-up timer. It is best to check that the turkey has reached 165°F in multiple spots, including the thickest part of the thigh to ensure doneness.
6. If the bird is stuffed, also check the temperature of stuffing to ensure it, too, has reached 165 °F.
7. Wait to stuff the turkey until right before putting it in the oven. For those wanting to prepare stuffing ahead of time, the USDA recommends preparing separate dishes with the wet and dry ingredients and keeping them refrigerated, then mixing the ingredients together just before stuffing the turkey. As a reminder the stuffing should be cooked until it reaches at least 165° F at the center.
8. Once the temperature has reached 165 °F throughout the turkey, it should stand for at least 15-20 minutes before carving.
9. Refrigerate any leftovers immediately. Large portions should be separated into smaller containers and covered loosely to speed cooling.
Thanks for this post. Nobody wants food poisoning because it is horrendous! My grown son has had it twice in past 6 weeks from restaurant food.
These are all great tips. Perfect for this time of the year!
I haven’t cooked a turkey in 30 years. That’s what friends are for…..
These are great reminders. Almost that time of the year again. I saw on the news stores are ordering small turkeys and more turkey breast due to COVID and smaller get togethers.
Getting ready to make my third turkey of the season. Turkey, black eye peas, corn bread, chocolate cake and spinach for New Years.
mmmmm. Alice!
I’ve been cooking turkey too long, especially since I don’t really like it, lol. Now, I just make a big ham.
These are good tips. I’ve been thinking of getting some turkey parts, to make a few recipes in the slow cooker!
Made my turkey yesterday morning. It was delicious and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Now for turkey sandwiches for the next three days.
I love the purple turkey! Never seen one of those but it is lovely and colorful.
I will be making a turkey on Christmas Day…my family LOVES turkey.
I am making another turkey for Christmas. These tips shall come in handy. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for these tips! I will be making a turkey for Christmas and these tips shall come in handy.
These are good tips. I didn’t cook a turkey for the holiday, but might still pick one up for soups and other dishes if I find a good sale!
This post makes me glad I don’t cook a turkey anymore.
Use these for christmass too
All great tips to keep in mind no matter how long you have been cooking turkey.
Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for these tips. I love to cook but cooking turkey keeps me on my toes as I am concerned I will over cook and it will be dry or under cook and it will be raw. Considering buy a pre cooked turkey next year.
Wishing all Americans a safe thanksgiving
Thank you for these reminders Shelly. I cook a turkey every Thanksgiving and Christmas day and always have a concern about cross contamination.
i am 43 but i cook a turkey every year for thanksgiving