Holiday Turkey

Thaw turkey for about four days in the refrigerator.

Open his bag and rinse him out with warm water because he is usually frozen some on the inside and that helps to get the giblets and stuff out.

Check his neck cavity, too, to get the stuff out.  You can cook the stuff separately if you want to, or you can throw it out.  Your choice!

Put him in the turkey pan, close it, and put it in the oven at 350° for about 5 or 6 hours.  The turkey usually has a little thermometer thing, and it is done when it pops out.  It doesn’t hurt to leave it in awhile after it is done as long as you don’t open the pan. 

If you are planning to slice it and not serve it on the table all intact, you can turn it upside down when you cook it.  That will make the breast more moist.  It doesn’t look as pretty as when you cook it right-side up, though.  Again, your choice! 

Mom says, "I used to get up in the middle of the night to cook it so that my oven was open for casseroles."