The "Best" Turkey

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Shadows1
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Joined: Tue Aug 14, 2012 3:41 pm

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by Shadows1 » Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:17 pm

SMOKED!

lovinretirement
Posts: 1241
Joined: Wed Mar 28, 2012 1:16 pm

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by lovinretirement » Sat Nov 14, 2015 12:37 pm

Kchurchill5 wrote:I don't have my method posted ... but this is basically what I do.
http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-a- ... chn-160905

But, I also put a little compound butter mix, (sage, rosemary, parsley, thyme) under the skin. Then, I rub the skin with a mix of butter and olive oil, s/p. Season the cavity with s/p and stuff with a few of the same herbs I put under the skin. Otherwise, I follow the above recipe.

The butter under the skin is optional; but, I like it. You can skip that.
I use the same method with the compound butter under and on top of the skin. It gives such wonderful flavor and keeps the breast meat very moist.

Kchurchill5
Posts: 16044
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:55 am

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by Kchurchill5 » Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:18 pm

Yep, the under the skin thing really works. And, use any mix of herbs. No right or wrong.
Shadows ... yes, I have done smoked; and, it is delicious!!!

My friends and I ... Second Tday celebration, we did a smoked turkey 2 yrs ago. It was heavenly.

natsgarden123
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 1:03 pm

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by natsgarden123 » Sat Nov 14, 2015 7:19 pm

Well , I guess this is a double question;

1.) The best brand, type ( ie heirloom?), frozen vs fresh, etc...
2.) Method of cooking

My answers are;
1.) Bell and Evans
2.) My posted recipe for http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/dry-br ... wine-11309

Kchurchill5
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Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:55 am

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by Kchurchill5 » Sat Nov 14, 2015 10:11 pm

I prefer fresh when possible. Heirloom, not a fan. Frozen; convenient - and, stick with a decent brand, they are OK. But, fresh for me if I can.

natsgarden123
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 1:03 pm

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by natsgarden123 » Mon Nov 16, 2015 12:24 pm

Kchurchill5 wrote:I prefer fresh when possible. Heirloom, not a fan. Frozen; convenient - and, stick with a decent brand, they are OK. But, fresh for me if I can.
Last year I made a frozen turkey ( empire because Americas test kitchen rated it highly)- It took 3 days to defrost in the fridge. When I opened the package, the bird smelled funny. I cooked it anyway. It still smelled bad after cooking and tasted bad. Never again will I make a frozen turkey.... not sure if this one was just a dud

Kchurchill5
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Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:55 am

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by Kchurchill5 » Mon Nov 16, 2015 12:36 pm

Since it is just me; and usually my son for leftovers. I often get the frozen when on sale. I actually cook them year round.
I do admit, I have had a couple of bad ones over the years; but, pretty good for the most part.

For company, I do get fresh. I think every now and then, with the mass production at this time of year; it is possible to get some that aren't so fresh.
I think it is important to get some closer to Tday; too early; and, they could of been sitting there for a log time.
But, I have been relatively lucky so far.

natsgarden123
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2012 1:03 pm

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by natsgarden123 » Sat Nov 21, 2015 7:16 pm

Some friends tell me that Fresh Market's meat is very good. I called and they were taking fresh turkey by order only. I ordered a 14 pound bird. Lets see how this comes out!

Kchurchill5
Posts: 16044
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2011 11:55 am

Re: The "Best" Turkey

Post by Kchurchill5 » Sat Nov 21, 2015 9:40 pm

Fresh Market is good. I'm sure it will be delish.

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