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Frequently Asked Questions : Cooking
Cooking
What are giblets?
Giblets are any of the edible internal parts of a turkey, such as the gizzard, heart
and liver, plus the neck. They're typically wrapped in plastic or paper and reinserted
into the turkey's body cavity. In the South, it's customary to make gravy stock
using the giblets.
What's the right way to stuff a turkey?
We do not recommend stuffing your turkey. We recommend preparing your stuffing separately.
How do you cook a larger bone-in-turkey breast?
Place the turkey breast in a shallow roasting pan. It will cook more evenly if the
airflow isn't restricted by using a taller roaster. Bake at 325°F until a meat thermometer
reads 170°F in the thickest part of the breast. Roasting time will vary according
to the size of the breast.
How do I cook a turkey that is over 25 lbs.?
Preheat the oven to 325° F. For an unstuffed turkey, plan on 4½ to 5 hours. Begin to
check your turkey for doneness about one-half hour before suggested end times. The best way to
tell if your turkey is done is by internal temperature. If using a meat thermometer in addition
to the pop-up timer, insert into the thickest part of the breast without touching the bone.
Can I deep fry a turkey with the plastic pop-up timer in it?
No.
Should I remove the hock lock when I deep fry a turkey?
Yes, remove the hock lock whether it is plastic or metal. Also remove the neck and giblets
from the cavity, trim the fat from the neck area and trim the tail area and wings. Check
the manufacturer’s instructions.
How can I microwave a turkey?
It is not recommended to microwave a turkey.
Will a turkey cook faster in a dark roaster?
Turkey will cook faster in a dark roaster since it causes things to brown at a faster rate.
Be sure to start checking your meat thermometer approximately one hour before your turkey
is supposed to be done.
Why did the pop-up timer fail?
The spring mechanism in the pop-up timer will sometimes fail. It is designed to "pop up"
when steam causes the internal firing material to melt. We apologize if your timer failed
to activate.
Why was the timer dislodged?
It could be from any number of reasons from it being dislodged during transportation to improper
insertion. Simply place the timer back where it was originally inserted.
Can I roast a turkey in a brown paper bag?
We highly discourage using a brown paper bag for cooking. Not only are they not sanitary, but also
they may cause a fire and can emit toxic fumes when exposed to heat. Intense heat may cause a bag
to ignite, causing a fire in the oven and possibly adulterating the turkey. Instead, use oven cooking
bags found at your grocer.
What is a self-basted turkey?
A self-basted turkey is one that has been pre-basted or marinated with a solution to enhance juiciness or
tenderness. The marinade or solution could contain such ingredients as turkey broth, salt, sugar and flavorings.
Do I need to baste my turkey?
It is not necessary to baste a self-basting turkey. It is not necessary to baste a non-basted turkey but it does
add nice color and flavor to the skin only. Basting generally does not penetrate below the skin. Most turkeys are
pre-basted with broth already deep inside the meat, making it moist and tender. Repeatedly opening the oven door
to baste only heats the kitchen and prolongs the cooking time.
How much does the giblet package weigh?
Giblets weigh about 0.7 lbs.
Do I have to remove the giblet packet?
Yes, it is necessary to remove the giblet packet and neck from the turkey before cooking.
If you do not wish to use these items in stock or gravy you can dispose of them.
How do I cook a bone-in breast?
Thaw turkey and prepare according to package directions. Place turkey breast-side up on rack
in shallow roasting pan. Brush breast with vegetable oil. Roast at 325° F. When breast is golden brown,
cover with a loose tent of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer
reads 170° F in the breast. For easier slicing, let stand 10 minutes.
3-4 lb. turkey: Roast 1 - 1½ hours
4-5 lb. turkey: Roast 1½ - 2 hours
5-6 lb. turkey: Roast 2 - 2½ hours
6-7 lb. turkey: Roast 2½ - 3¼ hours