(Food-Beverage-News.Com, November 24, 2014 ) Oakland, CA -- With just a few days left before Thanksgiving, everyone is definitely geared up to make the occasion one gastronomic feast. For those in charge of the kitchen, this means taking on the challenge of bringing the most delicious roasted turkey on the dining table. Stuffing and roasting this enormous bird can test the patience of even the most expert cook. No need to fret as any cook can tackle this with ease with just a few simple steps, according to contemporary kitchenware manufacturer Finesseur.
"No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without the classic roast turkey, so you definitely want to ensure that this traditional Thanksgiving dish will be something that everyone will enjoy," says Finesseur spokesperson Allison Montgomery. "Knowing the basic steps is essential to create a perfect Thanksgiving turkey guests will be raving about. For those who may need help on how to go about preparing this flavorful masterpiece, they can find our tips useful in making the preparations and cooking simpler and more organized."
Thanksgiving Turkey Cooking 101
As a ritual dish, roasted turkey is one of Thanksgiving dinner's much-anticipated highlights. To ensure that this holiday bird is cooked to perfection, Montgomery lists down a few tips that cooks should keep in mind:
1. Buy turkey based on headcount. Figure out how many guests will be attending the dinner before buying the turkey. This way, everyone will have their fill of this traditional dish. If expecting more than 30 guests, consider buying two smaller birds, or one whole bird and additional two turkey breasts. Make sure that the bird does not exceed more than 18 pounds as it may take longer to cook.
2. Thaw if frozen. If turkey needs defrosting, place on a rimmed baking sheet to drain any juices and put back inside the refrigerator. It may take about five hours per pound to be completely defrosted. Don't forget to remove the turkey from the packaging after thawing and leave inside the refrigerator to chill.
3. Prepare stuffing and vegetable side dishes. Save on time by making the turkey stuffing beforehand. Cover and refrigerate it first, and stuff it only into the bird before roasting. Also, steam or cook the vegetables that will be used ahead of time.
4. The secret to perfect brining. Brining or salting allows the turkey to increase its moisture holding capacity, keeping it moist and tender while roasting. The perfect brining, though, is dependent on the size of the grain of the salt, and can impact the flavor of the turkey if too much or too little salt is added.
To ensure accuracy when putting salt, Montgomery recommends using a food scale when brining. "Using a food scale, like the Finesseur Digital Food Scale, ensures precise measurements of ingredients. Using a reliable measuring tool when brining ensures accurate salt measurements, especially when there is a great need to be precise in using either fine grained or coarse grained salt," she explains.
5. Roast perfectly seasoned, stuffed turkey. Once the turkey is stuffed and brined, it is ready for roasting. While basting is recommended to ensure the skin remains crisp, it can also cause the oven's temperature to go down, increasing the cooking time. To avoid this, the turkey can be rubbed with butter or olive oil before roasting without doing any basting.
6. Know the right temperature. To know if the turkey is already cooked, make sure the temperature has reached 165°F. Check the temperature by inserting a thermometer on the thick part of the thigh. Once done, remove from the oven and let the turkey rest for at least 30 to 45 minutes before carving. This will ensure the bird stays juicy and moist while being carved.
"We hope that by following these simple tips, preparing your turkey dish will be a breeze, and cooking this year's Thanksgiving dinner will be a delightful culinary experience you will never forget," shares Montgomery.
To make sure that more people will be able to benefit from this information, Montgomery says the given tips will also be posted on their company website and Facebook fan page.
About Finesseur
Finesseur brings fashion design, precise engineering, and top quality craftsmanship together in American kitchens. Finesseur believes kitchen tools should be not only functional, but also inspirational.
