Turkey help

[Uniquely_Ambi]

My fiance got a coupon for a free turkey, so I'm going to be making my first turkey. We'll be at parents for Christmas, but the turkey will be for us to cook and eat off of.

So, how does one cook a turkey? I need some idea on how to cook the turkey and some leftover ideas.

Thanks!!!

[NulloModo]

What kind of equipment do you have? If you have access to a huge deep fryer or a smoker, those are my too favorite ways to do Turkey. Although roasting can be good as well, I have never attempted to roast my own bird...

[Desertthorn]

I remember my first Turkey, and asking the same question..
I think the easiest way is to go to the grocery store and buy a deep aluminum pan to cook it in first. Cookie sheets don't work
Thaw it in the refrigerator about 3 days before you intend to eat it.
Then you need to see what the weight of the bird is so you will know approximately how long to cook it. Since this is your first attempt, I would leave it unstuffed. It's usually about 25 minutes per pound, but thats off the top of my head and could be wrong.
I would also purchase a meat thermometer as often those pop up thingys don't work.
Open the bag and check both ends as they stuff the guts into a bag and usually place them in one hole or the other and often the neck will be in the other end. Pull them out an save them for the gravy.
I always salt my turkey on the inside, not alot. Set the oven to 325. Rub the skin with some oil. Place the thermometer in the breast fairly deep but not touching a bone. Stick it in the oven, tent it with aluminim foil and set the timer for about an hour before you figured it would be done. Remove the foil so it will start to brown.
Check themometer about every 20 minutes from now til its done. You want it to read 160 degrees, (boy I hope thats right). There is nothing worse than a raw turkey, so if your going to make an error, over cook it.
It will be dry but edible.
The guts you pulled out are easy to cook, just cover them with water, and add some salt, pepper and boil them until they are tender. The water makes good gravy juice and if you don't want to eat the heart and liver, just toss it, give it to the cat. I usually chop up the pieces and toss them into the gravey,

[acey]

You can also go onto a web site like Butterball or maybe Swift's Premium and usually they have instructions. And you can do a google search and probably get some lovely recipe ideas. :nod

[Uniquely_Ambi]

Thank you for the tips. The only thing I have is an oven. Gravy ideas? I really appreciate the help. I hope it comes out edible.

[NulloModo]

One thing to make sure of:

Pull the bird before the thermometer reads the final 'done' temp. If you cover it in foil after pulling from the oven carryover heat will raise it another four to five degrees. An underdone bird can always go in for a bit more, but an overdone bird is vile.

For gravey:

For thanksgiving I made the cream and mushroom gravey from Low Carb and Lovin' It. It is actually very, very good, just do a search on foodtv.com and you will find it.