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Christmas

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Original poster

Turkey novice!!

9 replies

BlondeBatgirl · 02/11/2011 17:42

Just found out that we're not going anywhere for christmas day. While I am pleased about this (no rushing around visiting relatives trying to cram everything in!), I have just realised this means I have to do dinner Confused .

Im thinking I will get a small turkey crown but I have no idea what to do with it! Im a rubbish cook! Never cooked a bird! Blush

How long will it take to defrost? cook? Do I need to put anything on it??

OP posts:
Original poster
BlondeBatgirl · 02/11/2011 17:43

Wondering if I should have put this in food? Hmm
Got christmas on the brain! Grin

OP posts:
shinybaubles · 02/11/2011 18:10

You should brine it - a la Nigella.
It is easy you can prep all the veg the day before and also pre boil the potatoes for roasts the day before if you like.

bytheMoonlight · 02/11/2011 19:28

I am going to brine for the first time as well blone - heard good things from MN about it.

I was wondering if a crown would be worth brining though?

Original poster
BlondeBatgirl · 02/11/2011 19:36

At the risk of sounding stupid.....what the hell is brining????

Would like to stress that I am useless at cooking!!! I can do basics but thats it! Although I do make a bloody good lasagne!! Grin

OP posts:
bytheMoonlight · 03/11/2011 09:09

It explains here and even answers my question about crowns?

bytheMoonlight · 03/11/2011 09:10

Sorry about the random question mark!

girlywhirly · 03/11/2011 09:17

I always put rashers of bacon over the top, the fat bastes the meat and protects it from drying out. Streaky is probably best, and it goes crispy so that you can eat it with the turkey.

Roast the crown covered with foil until the last 30 mins, when you can remove it and brown the skin. This means the moisture is trapped and it won't dry out. Place half an apple or onion in the cavity before roasting, this will add moisture and flavour.

Do allow resting time between taking the crown from the oven and carving, again put the foil over the top to keep heat and moisture in. When you have dished up, put the foil over it again to keep the remainder moist as it cools down. (No dry leftovers in your sarnies!)

I have had M&S turkey crowns before, I think they have instructions with them to tell you cooking times for the weight and so on. I think some have butter added and stuffing. You can get fresh ones near to Christmas.

We usually have a big free range chicken from our local butcher, as DH prefers it to turkey.

Original poster
BlondeBatgirl · 03/11/2011 18:34

Brilliant!! Thankyou!

OP posts:
LittleLurkerMix · 09/11/2011 23:23

I brined a la Nigella last year - dead easy, took next to no time to cook and was the best turkey I have made. Def recommend it.

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