Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned veteran, you never know what can pop up when you cook the Thanksgiving turkey.
The USDA offers a meat and poultry hotline, and they have some gentle advice, as you think about preparing your meal.
USDA’s Meredith Carothers states, “We generally recommend to follow about a one pound per person rule, and then about a pound and a half if you would like to have leftovers. So, depending on your party size, depending on how many people are eating. If you have a big grocery shop, if you’re going to the grocery store to get everything for your Thanksgiving meal, we do recommend to try grabbing that turkey towards the end of your shopping trip.”
USDA also recommends thawing the turkey in the fridge. You should set aside 24 hours for every five pounds of meat.
