The most vital thing to keep in mind is that a turkey takes a long while to cook through to the bone. Make sure to bake, braise or roast the bird at a high enough temperature to keep it safe to eat and don’t overcook it. Don’t leave your turkey in the stove to keep it warm. Take it out as soon as it’s done, let it cool for approximately twenty mins and then carve away. You’ll see the difference immediately when a turkey is prepared correctly : the dark meat soft enough to smash apart with a fork - the white meat moist and juicy. The secret is all in knowing how to buy and cook a tasty turkey! How enormous a turkey should you buy? You’ll need at least one to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person if you are purchasing the entire bird, fresh or frozen. Of course, it’s best to go bigger. Of course, there are at least 50 ways to serve your turkey leftovers, including a winter store of turkey soup. How long to cook? Preheat the oven to 325°F [ 160°C ] then place the bird in the oven to roast. An idea to consider–Great cooks suggest trying out your talents with a smaller bird before trying to produce a vacation masterwork. Like any other skill, perfecting a turkey recipe takes practice.