Turkey

[medako]

What's your favorite way to prepare a turkey? I have a turkey that I just set out to thaw (in the fridge) and I don't know exactly what I want to do with it.

How do you do your turkeys? stuffed? unstuffed? seasoned? with what?

**I'll be cooking it in the oven - no frying....and I don't have a smoker

[aeiou]

I prefer to cook the stuffing in a casserole dish rather than in the turkey because it adds additional cooking time. I like to brush a little butter on the outside of the turkey and then sprinkle poultry seasoning all over the turkey and then bake it in the oven. Once the turkey starts to cook and juices appear in the roasting pan I begin basting the turkey with the juices. Enjoy the turkey.

[Mama Mangia]

I love turkey!!! After a good cleaning and cutting off the butt I usually rub him all over with a bit of olive oil. Since I prefer my stuffing as a dressing in a casserole (not only does it taste better but there is a lesser chance of any food poisoning or bacteria because of temperatures in cooking and packing it too tight in the cavity) I put that in the oven later - cuz it takes less time. I grab one of his legs and sprinkle him inside with salt, pepper and parsley; insert some garlic, a carrot, a stalk of celery and then I season him with salt, pepper, garlic and parsley; cover and bake. I turn my bird in the pan several times during the roasting process and baste. I remove the cover (or foil) after a while to brown the skin and cook him till he falls apart. Since I love the neck of the turkey, I place the neck on top of the bird, and when I turn him I put it back on top.

After I transfer him to the platter (many times in pieces it is so tender it just falls apart) and I cover with foil while I make my gravy. It keeps it nice and moist. Then I strain my gravy, remove my foil and it's ready to go.

Sometimes I buy a package of turkey necks to make myself a special treat for lunch or dinner - and roast till done.

And of course - I have purchased turkey wings - depending on the size - one or two fills you up as opposed to regular chicken wings and made a meal out of those too.

Turkey breasts are nice for smaller meals - roast the same way too.

[foodlover]

Mama Mangia that's a wonderful recipe.
I simple love Turkey too but never tried anything too exotic with a whole turkey yet but your recipe is so detailed that even a novice like me can try. I just joined today and I am already becoming a fan of yours.

[Mama Mangia]

you're very sweet foodlover!

I hope you try it and if you need help - just give a holler!

[medako]

I'm makin' the turkey for dinner, so we'll see how it turns out. I just hope I remember to get it into the oven on time.