How do you cook your turkey?

[vinoelle]

This is the first year I’m not going to my parents house, so the turkey is my responsibility! It’s relatively small I think - about 10lbs which is the smallest the butcher would do.

When do I need to take it out the fridge? What do I prep it with? Is brining really worth it? How the bloody hell do I cook it without being dry?! Top tips please!!

I always cook mine (Raymond blanc) on Christmas eve so it has plenty of time to rest. But equally you could cook it early and then you have your oven free for your roasties and other sides.

Blimey I think there's some good recipes for food poisoning on here.

The wrapper will give you the cooking time (and thawing time if frozen).

I too don't like stuffing a turkey. It slows down cooking too much. Just bung in herbs and a lemon or orange or onion.

My tip is to give a blast for 15-30 mins at high temp to get the ball rolling and then reduce to medium heat for the rest of the time.

Cover in bacon to keep moist. Baste as often as you remember (but quickly to keep the oven hot).

Cover with foil if it starts browning too soon. Or make a foil tent but remember to remove it for the last hour.

Rest for a good 30 mins before serving.

Follow Delia Smith's instructions. This is what I do, every year. My oven runs a bit hot so I cook the bird for a bit less time than she specifies. Her method is to cook it inside a foil tent, slathered in butter and streaky bacon. Keeps it very moist. Start off hot, turn down after a bit and when nearly done remove from oven, turn back top foil and put back into hot oven for the skin to brown. Once cooked, remove from oven and put to one side to rest (covered) while you finish everything else off.

This with bells on! I never understand when people say turkey is dry and tasteless - we use this method and ours is bloody delicious!! Completely different and far nicer to chicken etc. Delia also has recommendations for stuffing the turkey - I find the stuffing is much more flavourful when it’s been inside the turkey, and her stuffing recipe is delicious too!

@Tangledtresses & @WaxOnFeckOff thanks so much - the Raymond. Blanc Recipe was amazing! Doing that every year now!!!!!

@vinoelle it's great isn't it!!! We loved it I wouldn't do anything else now
Merry Christmas 😃

Yes OP, we are a few years in now and won't do any other method.. 5kg turkey cooked in an hour and a half and lovely gravy too. Having the 2nd half later