Don’t you just hate a dry turkey? I know I do. I am about to share with you my BEST secrets for obtaining a moist turkey. Because no matter how pretty your bird is to look at, no one enjoys a dried out turkey.

MY TURKEY TIPS:

1. Use an internal thermometer. Don’t wait for that little pop up timer to work or rely on the cooking time based on the weight of your turkey. Use an internal thermometer inserted into the thigh of the turkey (being careful not to touch the bone since it will register as a hotter temperature).  THIS is a good one. It’s just like the one I use. The thermometer stays in the turkey and the timer part will alert you when the turkey reaches its desired temperature. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that the turkey be cooked to a temperature of 165°F (74°C), as measured in the innermost part of the thigh. If the thigh is 165°F, the breast meat is likely to be 10°F hotter. On a side note, I never stuff my turkey with stuffing because you have to cook the turkey longer in order to make sure the stuffing reaches the proper temperature. That extra time dries out the turkey.
2. Place tablespoons of butter underneath the skin of the turkey. THIS is my single most favorite tip I ever found about keeping a turkey moist. You have to use your hand to first loosen the skin away from the breast meat. You want to be careful not to tear the skin. Then I cut about 6 tablespoons of chilled butter to go under the skin. I typically use 3 tablespoons on each side if it’s a large turkey. You slowly push the butter up under the skin to evenly distribute them. As the turkey cooks, the butter melts into the breast meat keeping it moist and tender.
3. Coat the outside of the turkey with oil. This is so much easier than trying to rub butter all over a cold bird. It will help you achieve the golden brown look that every turkey deserves. Don’t forget to season your turkey after you massage it with oil. I like to use salt, pepper, rosemary and thyme. If your turkey reaches the level of goldenness you desire but isn’t done cooking yet, you can cover it with a tent of foil to prevent over browning.

Well, those are my tips. I used to be intimidated with cooking turkey but these tips have never failed me. The only problem is: Once your extended family finds out what a wonderful turkey chef you are you’ll be nominated to always cook the turkey from now on.

…especially if your husband keeps volunteering and nominating you every year! And he’s right; you do cook a great turkey.