Let's Talk Turkey: Tips for a Perfect Thanksgiving Meal

Don’t panic, but a week from now, millions of Americans will be anxiously awaiting a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings. Will you be serving up turkey and all the fixings to a hungry crowd?

Here are some turkey tips from some of the experts, to help you get through this special holiday meal:

How big a bird do I need to buy? Use theButterball Calculators & Conversions site, where you can plug in the number of guests you’ll be feeding, whether they’re heavy or light eaters and whether or not you want leftovers.

Call the experts: It all started back in 1981 when six home economists took calls from about 11,000 worried home chefs. Today Butterball has about 50 experts standing by to talk turkey with about 100,000 callers in November and Dec. Call (800) BUTTERBALL (288-8372) with your questions. The line is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

I’ve got a frozen turkey; how do I thaw it?Butterball says to allow 1 day of thawing for every 4 pounds of turkey. NOTE: Turkeys need to be thawed in the refrigerator or by cold water thawing. See Butterball’s How To Thaw for more information. USDA gives you three ways to thaw the turkey. Watch their video here.

How long do I cook my turkey? Check out this handy chart from foodsafety.gov It gives you options for a stuffed or unstuffed turkey.

I’m thinking about getting creative and might smoke/grill/deep fry the turkey: Tips for all of the above, from USDA.

How do I carve the turkey? Most experts agree that the most important thing you need is a sharp carving knife; a serrated knife won’t do. Decide ahead of time if you plan to carve your turkey at the table or if you plan to carve it in the kitchen and arrange the sliced meat on a platter. Watch this step by step video from Whole Foods.

Where can I find a Virginia or regional farm-raised turkey?

• Ayrshire Farm - Available for pickup: Home Farm Store: 1 E Washington St., Middleburg, Virginia 20117; call (540) 687-8882
• Let’s Meat on the Avenue in Alexandria (Del Ray) 703) 836-6328
• The Organic Butcher of McLean (703) 790-8300
• Society Fair in Old Town Alexandria (703) 683-3247
• The Westover Market Butcher Shop (703) 536-5043

PHOTO courtesy of USDA