Need Turkey cooking help

Discussion in 'General Food and Foraging Discussion' started by SurvivalNut, Oct 24, 2010.

  1. Oct 24, 2010 #1
    SurvivalNut

    SurvivalNut Retired Army

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    I raised 3 turkeys this year, first time. Mrs Nut decided to do a practice run and roast a turkey today to try them before Thanksgiving. She cooked a 21 lb hen in a roaster at 325, same as she has for 33 years.

    The bird tasted okay but was VERY dry. She had water in the bottom, rubbed it with butter and basted it in between.

    Any special considerations cooking a home grown turkey needs, or did I just raise a bum bird?
     
    SurvivalNut, Oct 24, 2010
    SurvivalNut, Oct 24, 2010
  3. Oct 24, 2010 #2
    pdx210

    pdx210 Well-Known Member

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    yep, brine the turkey first in a 5 gallon bucket

    1 gallon water heat add
    1 cup kosher salt
    1/2 cup light brown sugar
    1 gallon vegetable stock
    2 tablespoon black peppercorns whole

    add add 1 to 1-1/2 gallons cold water and ice keep chilled in the fringe if you can or iced for 6-8 hours then rinse, dress and cook
     
    pdx210, Oct 24, 2010
    pdx210, Oct 24, 2010

  5. Oct 25, 2010 #3
    SurvivalNut

    SurvivalNut Retired Army

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    Thanks a bunch!
     
    SurvivalNut, Oct 25, 2010
    SurvivalNut, Oct 25, 2010
  6. Oct 25, 2010 #4
    The_Blob

    The_Blob performing monkey

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    also, cook it upside down (so the breast is on the bottom)

    I also stuff it with fruit instead of stuffing (even though I LOVE stuffing)
     
    The_Blob, Oct 25, 2010
    The_Blob, Oct 25, 2010