Cooking a Thanksgiving Turkey
1. Prep
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator one hour before cooking. This will help the turkey cook more evenly and faster.
Brine a turkey in advance to help ensure that the meat does not dry out during cooking.
2. Cook
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Cook turkey facing breast-down, so the juices drop down to the breast. Cook for 8-10 minutes per pound for an unstuffed bird (3.5-4 hours).
Check the breasts and the legs. Pasture-raised turkeys will cook faster than factory-farmed birds. Legs often are slower to reach temperature.
3. Cool
Let a turkey rest for about 30 minutes before carving.
Reheating the Fixins’
Entrees and Sides:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees*. Remove the plastic lid, cover in foil, and reheat for 45 minutes.
*If you prefer to reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, simply transfer the food to a microwave-safe or stovetop-friendly container and heat it up.
Gravy:
Stovetop Method: Transfer the contents into a sturdy, thick-bottomed saucepan and warm it up over medium-low heat. Remember to stir regularly to prevent any scorching, and expect it to be hot in approximately 10-15 minutes. For an extra layer of richness and flavor, consider incorporating your turkey pan drippings into the gravy.
Microwave Method: Pour the gravy into a microwave-safe container and loosely cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a paper towel. Heat it on high for 2-3 minutes until it’s steaming hot. Pause and give it a good stir every 60 seconds to ensure even heating.
Warming Pies
Apple Pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches your preferred temperature. Can be reheated in the aluminum tray it comes in.
Pumpkin Pie: For the best experience, serve it chilled. Take it out of the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving.
Bourbon Pecan Pie: For optimum enjoyment, let it come to room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator 45-60 minutes before serving.
ROSEMONT TIP
Maintain the warmth of your dishes while you gather your guests at the table
Once everything has reached the desired temperature, turn off the oven, leave the items inside, and crack the oven door open a few inches to let them cool slightly. However, be cautious not to leave them in the oven for more than 20 minutes, as this could lead to them drying out.