Turkey question

7 replies

cherryapple · 23/12/2010 16:05

I am panicking have defrosted my turkey today and was going to cook it tomorrow night.Just read a website that says you shouldnt cook the night before. Does anyone cook theirs xmas eve? and where do you put it until xmas day. I dont know whether to leave it covered on the work surface or in the fridge. HELP PLEASE ...

OP posts:

LIZS · 23/12/2010 16:11

Ideally fridge but my parents used to defrost it in the bath and leave it there until ready to cook.

insertexpletive · 23/12/2010 16:18

Ah, I can help you with this (see my thread about clueless cooking though)

It is fine to cook the day before, but you must make sure that it is cooked through (juices run clear) get it in the fridge as soon as possible (you can slice if you like) and when you reheat, make sure that it is piping hot before serving.

The 'danger' element comes from people not getting the meat hot enough when reheating. It must get hot not just warm. (72 degrees for at least two minutes if you have a thermometer)

Original poster

cherryapple · 23/12/2010 16:26

Thankyou so much, so it's best put in the fridge once it has cooled down I don't plan on reheating I get so nervous with poultry ..

OP posts:

insertexpletive · 23/12/2010 16:32

Yes, definately put it in the fridge as soon as you can - slicing will cool it down quicker - you basically do not want it sitting around on your worktop for too long and want it in the fridge to stop the nasty bacteria from breeding.

Original poster

cherryapple · 23/12/2010 18:13

I am so new to this dont usually cook turkey. I bought it fresh and froze it.Can't believe that today I done the worst thing ever & defrosted it on my work top for most of the day. Should I bin it I have put it in the fridge now but realise its a bit late now.

OP posts:

MumInBeds · 23/12/2010 18:20

It will be fine thawing at room temp, the gove wouldn't give instructions on how to do it that way otherwise ( www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/seasonsandcelebrations/winter/saferchristmaseating/ )

for what it is worth I am cooking mine tomorrow and slicing it right away - I'll be heating it through in the steamer but I have served it cold before - just cook it right through tomorrow.

Original poster

cherryapple · 23/12/2010 18:26

Aww, thankyou Muminbeds you have really put my mind at rest :). I was going to bin it was upset with myself as they aren't cheap but I wouldn't risk food poisening.I was getting myself more confused by reading different websites.Thankyou for the link. Merry Christmas & A happy New Year x

OP posts:

Flip