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Original poster

Frozen turkey crown - unacceptable?

79 replies

Birdbuggerup · 20/12/2023 19:30

I’m a vegetarian, hosting Christmas for the first time.

I ate meat until I was 20 so I’m not precious about it and told the wider family who are coming to us that I’d happily do turkey and pigs in blankets.

I bought a frozen turkey crown, pre stuffed with bacon on it etc, believing (maybe stupidly) that this would be fairly easy. When I mentioned this at work everyone was horrified at the prospect of frozen turkey and acted like I was serving spam. Is a frozen turkey crown that bad? I thought it was quite expensive (£45 to serve 4-6) but apparently that’s pretty cheap?

I don’t want to ruin my family’s Christmas by serving something atrocious. I know they’d all say it’s fine but if I should pick up a fresh one please let me know whilst I still have time!

thanks in advance - I feel pretty bloody daft!

OP posts:
TheseLegsDefinitelyUsedToBeLonger · 20/12/2023 21:02

Yep we do frozen turkey crown here too, always been super tasty and means we’ve got it sorted and ready to go, usually in November! 😁

Atethehalloweenchocs · 20/12/2023 21:02

We have one every year - only 3 people so we dont use a whole turkey. Have had fresh, and frozen, dont really think they are that different.

xyz111 · 20/12/2023 21:09

It'll be absolutely fine. Just factor in how long it takes to defrost. We ate one on Sunday that took 4 days to defrost!!!!

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 20/12/2023 21:10

It will be fine ! And if anyone comes on this thread and tells you otherwise - ignore them . Very important that you follow defrosting guidelines though.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 20/12/2023 21:13

Devonshiregal · 20/12/2023 20:45

What’s a Turkey crown?

Turkey without the legs. Sometimes has wings, sometimes not. Still has bones unlike turkey breast roast .

Zanatdy · 20/12/2023 21:13

It’s fine, they are being ridiculous

Ambertonix · 20/12/2023 21:17

We always have a frozen turkey crown as there is only 3 of us for lunch. Mine is actually a 'cook from frozen' which is even less faff. Ive done it several times and it is always delicious.

Mornusting · 20/12/2023 21:18

Last year I bought one from M and S and it was clear from their website that they had all been frozen before. I think we were actually sent an e mail about it as well as there was a shortage of fresh turkeys last year.

hellywelly3 · 20/12/2023 21:27

I’d never go back to a fresh one after ours had gone off on Christmas morning.

Callipygion · 20/12/2023 21:36

Previously I always bought a fresh Turkey crown, then last year I left it too late and they’d all gone so I got a frozen one. It was delicious, and I have to say seemed nicer than the fresh ones. I’ve just gone straight for a frozen one this year. At just over 2kg from Asda cost £16.50 yesterday. You must have bought your £45 from Harrods?!?

bellac11 · 20/12/2023 21:38

What?

Where do you work, Fortnum and Masons?

Callipygion · 20/12/2023 21:38

xyz111 · 20/12/2023 21:09

It'll be absolutely fine. Just factor in how long it takes to defrost. We ate one on Sunday that took 4 days to defrost!!!!

Did you defrost yours in the fridge? I’m just wondering when to take my 2kg one out of the freezer!

Wbeezer · 20/12/2023 21:40

I buy frozen, I actually find them a bit moister than fresh, not much in it though. Frozen wins on convenience, cost and the fact I can buy it early.

Ilovesandwiches · 20/12/2023 21:46

Sounds to me like your colleagues weren’t being very kind! Absolutely no problem at all with this!

topnoddy · 20/12/2023 21:50

They sound like snobbish twats to me , they couldn't tell the difference between fresh or frozen when it's served up anyways

Cook the crown as planned and have a good Christmas , bollocks to what they say

WhatICallMyUsername · 20/12/2023 21:50

Our turkey crown is from Iceland and can be cooked from frozen!

WhatICallMyUsername · 20/12/2023 21:51

I should also say we had it last year and it was lovely!

BrimfulOfMash · 20/12/2023 21:51

It will be ‘fine’ drenched in gravy and smothered in tasty sides, which is what makes Christmas Dinner.

But. Thigh meat is the best flavour and texture. A crown just has the less interesting (IMO) breast. A free range fresh bird does taste better than mass produced frozen. Dry turkey is down to the cooking.

It will be fine. Nothing wrong with it at all.

Jellybean23 · 20/12/2023 21:52

Nothing wrong with frozen turkey. More turkeys are ruined by bad / over cooking than because of freezing. Stop doubting yourself, it's going to be fine. Just be sure to take it out of the freezer in time. The night before probably will not be early enough. Check the instructions.

topnoddy · 20/12/2023 21:53

Devonshiregal · 20/12/2023 20:45

What’s a Turkey crown?

It's what King Charles wears on his nut at Christmas instead of the jingle jangle jewelry one

pleasejustnawta · 20/12/2023 21:57

I'm veggie too lass and my family aren't and leave me to make the dinner. I buy a frozen turkey crown every year and just let it defrost. Couldn't do the gutting etc. They never complain and if they do they can make it! Enjoy YOUR Christmas dinner !!!

snowlady4 · 20/12/2023 21:58

Your work mates have too much to say. What do they think they're eating when they go out/work canteen/coffee shop etc. Loads of things are frozen. Frozen turkey is absolutely fine and if I was cooking a Christmas dinner that's what I'd be having!
Not quite the same,but my work 'mates,' are always super critical of my holiday destinations- they never just say, "have a lovely time," its always, "ooh wouldn't go there," "weird place to go (it never is,) or "be very hot there!" (Yep, hopefully!)
Just ignore them and enjoy your Christmas Dinner without any input from them!

Samsonsmum · 20/12/2023 22:03

Sounds lovely. Can I come round yours for Christmas lunch

Mangotango39 · 20/12/2023 22:11

Every year - we get it from the same butchers - it's lovely and so much bloody easier!

Everyone loves it!

exLtEveDallas · 20/12/2023 22:15

Your colleagues would have a field day with me:

2 years running (this year will be the third) I have served a turkey bought super cheap (and then frozen) on Boxing Day the previous year...