Turkey 101

Yes, I am thirty-something and this is my FIRST TIME TO ROAST A TURKEY! It's about time, don't you think? In case you've never roasted one either, I've listed some steps - it's really a lot easier than I thought it would be.

First, make sure that the little one/ones are occupied and out of the kitchen. Hannah's Grandma and Pops came over and played with her all day - she had so much fun! In the picture above they are playing outside in the sandbox as the cold front is blowing in.

Next, take the turkey out of the refrigerator where it has been thawing. This one weighs 20 pounds (!) and thawed for 5 days in the fridge. Open it up, take out the stuff from both ends (not for the squeamish), and rinse thoroughly in the very clean sink.

Rub it with salt and some olive oil. Put some veggies and a little bit of flour into a roasting bag, then wrestle the bird into the bag. My Mom helped hold the bag open for this part and it was very helpful to have another set of hands.

Close the bag and cut slits in it according to package directions, and put it in the oven. Bake according to directions.

Oooohhhh - browning nicely.

Perfect! Isn't that a pretty color? Please disregard my hair in this photo - it was a bad hair day.

Tomorrow I will make the gravy from the roasting broth and carve the turkey before taking it to our Thanksgiving dinner.

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More pictures to come!

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Happy Thanksgiving to all!