Turkey Timeline
If you’ve never cooked a big holiday dinner before, the prospect can be a pretty daunting one. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll give you a step-by-step action plan, so you can get that important holiday meal on the table without a hitch. 2 weeks before: - Confirm guest list - Delegate any potluck items you want people to bring - Finalize your menu - Purchase the turkey (if buying frozen) 1 week before: - Make a master grocery list and shop for all items, except perishables 3 – 4 days before: - Begin thawing frozen turkey in refrigerator - Purchase perishable items - Begin chilling white wines or other cold beverages 2 days before: - Pre-chop all vegetables (for veggie trays, stuffing, side dishes, etc.) - Assemble casseroles; cover and refrigerate (do not bake) - Prepare as many desserts as possible (bake pies, for example) 1 day before: - Set table - Prepare any remaining side dishes or desserts Day-of: - Roast the turkey! Use this handy chart below to help determine how long to roast your bird, but remember: this is just a guideline. Your oven may run hotter or cooler, for
example, so always use a meat thermometer to determine whether your bird has reached a safe temperature! While the turkey roasts: - Bake stuffing (if separate from turkey) - Bake casseroles - Make mashed potatoes - Prepare appetizers and veggie trays When turkey is done and resting: - Heat rolls in the oven (don’t forget to set a timer so they don’t get forgotten!) - Prepare gravy - Pour beverages - Finish off vegetable side dishes; make salad Zero hour! - Carve turkey; place on platter and cover to keep warm - Bring food to the table; double-check that nothing has been forgotten (did you remember those rolls in the oven?) - Rally the troops to the table, and enjoy the fruits of your labour! Bon Appétit!
Weight of Bird
Roasting Time Roasting Time
(Unstuffed) 3 to 3½ hours 3½ to 4 hours 4 to 4½ hours 4½ to 5 hours
(Stuffed)
10 to 18 pounds 18 to 22 pounds 22 to 24 pounds 24 to 29 pounds
3 ¾ to 4½ hours 4½ to 5 hours 5 to 5½ hours 5½ to 6 ¼ hours
Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177
All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Woo d Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Holiday Cookbook – 2025 –
CHRISTMAS IN PORT STANLEY – 26 – HOLIDAY COOKBOOK
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