Grand Rapids Nesties
goodgollie
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Turkey virgin
Hi girls! We are hosting Thanksgiving this year since my docs aren't letting me travel more than 20 minutes from home. I have never made a turkey or observed a turkey being made in my life. I've heard Butterballs are good, so I was going to pick one up from Meijer today. Any other good brands I should consider? Then I realized that it's still 6 days until T-day and I don't think have room in my freezer for a turkey. Which leads to my next question...how big of a turkey do I need for 7 adults and 2 toddlers? I have a regular side-by-side fridge so I supposed a small turkey could fit if I threw out some frozen vegetables. I'm afraid if I wait until next week to buy the turkey that there won't be any left. Next, what do I cook the turkey in? Do I have to buy one of those great big roasting pots? I really don't want to spend $50 on one. Can't you cook them in a bag or something? Lastly, anyone have a good recipe to make a yummy turkey? I don't want a dry, bland turkey. Thanks girls!
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Re: Turkey virgin
You could wait until next week to buy and I would suggest a 15 lb bird. Making a turkey is a big job and you should make sure you have leftovers so you don't have to cook for a day at least!
I would suggest getting a roasting pan. World Market has them for $5 with the rack this week. Otherwise just get the disposable foil pan from the grocery store if you don't think you would ever use the roasting pan again. You can cook them in a bag which makes clean up a little easier (The bag goes in the roasting pan) but it can.
I have made a mix of butter and herbs that i have stuffed under the turkey skin on the breast and then rubbed a little of that on top of the skin too. Then i quartered lemons and put them inside with some thick sliced onions. I thought it was really good. Another trick is to ice the breasts of the turkey. It helps to balance out the cooking of the white and dark meat. (Your white meat will be done faster than the dark meat) Google t-day turkey recipes and you should get a lot of guidance. I remember food network and epicurious both having lots of good tips.
Good luck.
If you buy a frozen one now, you won't need to upt it in the freezer. If you buy a 15-20lb turkey now you'll need time to thaw it out, so no worries about freezer space.
I've never bought a name brand turkey before, so I can't tell you if Butterball is good or not. I can tell you that Meijer brand turkeys always turn out great for me.
You don't need an expensive roasting pan either. I think I bought one last year from Marshalls or something for $15. A lot of places have them on sale right now for under $30. They are really nice to have. I use mine a few times a year for par baking ribs.
Last year I brined my turkey and it was AMAZING. I think it was a Martha Stewart recipe. I'll have to look it up. This year I'm using a citrus brine my mom gave me, but I've never tried it before so I don't know if it's good.
I also suggest a brine if your able to. We did last year and is was WONDERFUL!!!!!
This is what I'm doing this year.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/my-favorite-turkey-brine/
I personally think the turkey is the easy part. Preparing sides and juggling them around to stay warm is the hard part. You put the turkey in the oven and baste it every 30 minutes, and check the temp towards the end. Your husband could easily do that.
Meijer has a special this week where if you buy $20 in food, you get $16 off a Turkey. AWESOME deal! I got one to use when my family comes for Christmas
I want to try brining this year, but I usually just make a herb butter and rub it all over the skin and then throw it in the oven.
You need something to put the bagged bird in so it can go in the oven. If you have another pan or roasting dish large/deep enough, than you should be ok. If not, you'll need a roasting pan.