Wow. Can you believe we’re on the home stretch? Only four more days till Thanksgiving! I’m so excited for everyone to reap the fruits of their labor. But before we can relax, we need to charge ahead and finish a few last minute details.
First, pull out that turkey and defrost! Allow 24 hours for every 4 pounds of turkey. So, if you’re preparing a 14-lb turkey it will take approximately 3-1/2 days to thaw in the fridge.
Here are a few handy tricks of the trade when it comes to defrosting the big bird:
- Get Your Fridge Ready. Sit your bird in a sturdy pan that won’t leak and cross-contaminate other foods
- Not enough room in the fridge? Let your turkey thaw in an ice filled cooler.
- Marinate! In the last three hours of defrosting, marinate your turkey. The bird will be supple and able to absorb your seasonings better.
- Cold Water Defrost. Wrap the turkey in a leak proof bag and submerge it in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the bird is thawed. Allow 30 minutes for every pound.
Be sure to do a final review of your menu, shopping list, and cooking plan. Make sure you have all of your ingredients, cooking tools etc.
A day or two before Thanksgiving set the table. This will help cut down on stress and you won’t be running around looking for your good cloth napkins while worrying about the turkey.
The day before Thanksgiving, pull out those pies, side dishes, and breads that you’ve been storing in the freezer. Bake your pies and breads the night before. This will free up space in the oven for the side dishes the day of the big feast.
We’re almost there. Keep your wits about you as you enter these last few days. I’m here if you have any questions or if you just need words of encouragement! Good luck!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
quote: Marinate! In the last three hours of defrosting, marinate your turkey. The bird will be supple and able to absorb your seasonings better.
What type of marinade do you suggest?
Becki –
I really prefer a citrus marinade or a rich sage marinade. Both work great on turkey.
Never thought of the cooler for thawing the turkey. Thanks for all your tips. I am in the middle of it all now. Notes infront of the foods I plan to make and dishes there too. The turkey and dressing is in and help will be here for the final hour!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!