Cooking Turkey - How Much Time Does it Take to Cook a Turkey?

Some people get really uptight at the thought ofmeat thermometer inserted into the breast reads 170
cooking a turkey, but their worry is unfounded. Actuallydegrees or 180 degrees in the thigh. The touchiest part
roasting a turkey is one of the easiest cooking featsof roasting a turkey this way is not to cook it too long
to accomplish successfully. Allow for adequate turkeywhich will cause it to dry out.
cooking time, and you can be successful your first timeIf you want a shorter turkey cooking time, you can
out. By following a few simple cooking tips, anyone caninvest in a roasting bag. These bags are quite
roast a perfect turkey to complement theirinexpensive and will save you a lot of roasting time.
Thanksgiving feast or any other meal.Using a bag, a ten pound turkey can be roasted in
The traditional way to cook a turkey is to roast it.about 2 hours. A timetable comes in the box with the
Even roasting can be done a number of differentbags which gives you the exact times depending on
ways. To start with, always wash a turkey thoroughly.the size of your turkey and whether it's stuffed or not.
Check it over for any remaining pin feathers, and cutAll you have to do is add a tablespoon of flour to the
off large chunks of fat. Tying the drumsticks togetherbag to keep the turkey from sticking, pop in your
with a piece of string and securing the wings withprepared turkey, and use the enclosed tie to secure
toothpicks will help ensure even browning. If you aren'tthe end of the bag. Your turkey will brown beautifully
going to stuff your turkey, salt the bird's cavity well.and remain juicy.
Stuffing will increase the turkey cooking time you willProbably the fastest, although most expensive, way to
need to allow for.cook your turkey is by frying it. This method is costly,
If you have a roasting pan with a lid, that is ideal tobecause you have to invest in a turkey fryer and
roast your turkey in. If not, a large baking pan will do.several gallons of oil. However, if you're pressed for
Spray the pan with cooking spray and then cover ittime or oven space, this may be the way for you to
with aluminum foil for ease of cooking. Put the turkeygo. It will only take about three minutes per pound to
into the pan, and tent another sheet of foil over thecook your turkey this way, and it will turn out very
top. Your turkey cooking time is going to depend onmoist and flavorful. One caution, however. Frying also
the way you cook it. A good rule of thumb in roastingadds a large number of calories to low-calorie turkey
an unstuffed turkey is to allow a half hour for eachmeat.
pound your turkey weighs. Roast your turkey until a