Here are tips and tricks for a stress-free Thanksgiving prep.
As Thanksgiving approaches, various brands are already offering help to make holiday preparations easier. The Turkey Hotlines from Jennie-O and Butterball are available online to assist with turkey-cooking questions.
Joining the effort, the nonprofit National Turkey Federation is also providing support with its comprehensive guide to preparing the holiday turkey, Thanksgiving 101.
NTF’s Thanksgiving 101 includes tips on cooking a turkey on the grill or smoker, recipes for turkey leftovers, tips for freezing turkey for longer storage, instructions for frying and spatchcocking turkey, carving techniques, and much more.
NTF President and CEO Leslee Oden encourages consumers to learn how to prepare a turkey to guarantee a “perfect holiday meal.” NTF also introduced four core practices for preparing turkey: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
The nonprofit stresses the importance of washing hands and surfaces when handling raw turkey, preventing cross-contamination by using different cutting boards, cooking turkey to 165°F, and storing leftovers promptly to avoid foodborne illness. Another recommendation is to never rinse the turkey, as it can spread bacteria that might be present around the kitchen.
NTF also advises planning ahead to secure the right turkey for holiday meals. “If you need a particular weight or style of turkey, it’s best to shop early or contact your local grocery store to find out when those products will be available,” the organization added.
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