Turkey Tips
To defrost turkey, place in warm water, half-an-hour per pound. Change water every hour. Turkeys can be defrosted in the refridgerator, but a 12-pound turkey can take up to three days to completely defrost. Never defrost on counter. Cook after defrosted. If the turkey is pre-stuffed, do not defrost. Cook immediately, according to package directions. Stuffed turkeys take an extra 30-45 minutes.
To see if a turkey is done, insert meat thermometer in the inner thigh. When cooked, it should read 180-185 degrees. If stuffed, insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the stuffing. The thermometer should read 180-185 degrees when done. Save pan drippings for gravy.
Leftover stuffing should be cooked separately in a casserole dish at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Let turkey sit 20-30 minutes covered with foil before carving for best results. Stuffing and turkey leftovers should be stored separately as soon as possible.
Cooking times
6-8 lbs — 325 degrees — 3-3 1/2 hrs
8-12 lbs — 325 degrees — 3-4 hrs
12-16 lbs — 325 degrees — 4-5 hrs
16-20 lbs325 — degrees — 4 1/2-5 hrs
20-24 lbs325 — degrees — 5-6 hrs
Apple Pie
Pie crust
Six cups thinly sliced apples
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon all-spice
Mix dry ingredients, then add apples, mix until the apples are coated. Place in filling in the pie crust, then cover with top crust, seal edges and make five small cuts in the top crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until filling is bubbling and crust is golden. Serves eight.
Pumpkin Pie
Pie crust
1 16-oz can pumpkin
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 eggs
1 5-oz can evaporated milk
1/2 cup milk
Mix ingredients in bowl. Place filling in nine inch pie crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool and serve with whipped cream. Serves eight.
Cranberry Fluff
1 pkg. cranberries
1 apple
1/2 cup sugar
1 8-oz container Cool Whip
1 cup mini-marshmallows
Cut and core apple, place in food processor, place cranberries in food processor, blend until finely cut. Mix in sugar, fluff in Cool Whip and marshmallows. Serve cold.
Mashed Potatoes
6 medium potatoes
4 tablespoons margarine or butter
Milk
Peel and cut potatoes. Boil in water until soft, drain. Mash, mixing in butter. Gradually add 4-8 tablespoons milk, until fluffy. Salt and pepper to taste. Serves eight.
