Sara Moulton takes viewer questions on how cook a Thanksgiving feast.
Thanksgiving is here and chef Sara Moulton answered viewers questions about how to properly and perfectly cook their turkeys. If you missed it, don't worry. Check out the chart below for the cooking times and get Sara's gravy and broth recipes.
If your turkey is 8 - 12 lbs., cook it for 2 3/4 to 3 hours if it's unstuffed and 3 to 3 1/2 hours if it's stuffed.
If your turkey is 12 - 14 lbs., cook it for 3 to 3 3/4 hours if it's unstuffed and 3 1/2 to 4 hours if it's stuffed.
If your turkey is 14 - 18 lbs., cook it for 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours if it's unstuffed and 4 to 4 1/4 hours if it's stuffed.
If your turkey is 18 - 20 lbs., cook it for 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours if it's unstuffed and 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours if it's stuffed.
If your turkey is 20 - 24 lbs., cook it for 4 1/2 to 5 hours if it's unstuffed and 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours if it's stuffed.
Also, remember, the bird's internal temperature and stuffing should both reach at least 165° F, according to the USDA.
The giblets and neck from one turkey (save the liver for another use, such as sautéing and serving on a piece of toast)
4 cups chicken broth (good quality canned is fine)
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 small carrot, cut in half
1 celery rib, cut in half
1 small parsnip (optional), cut in half
1 thyme sprig
1 parsley sprig
1 Turkish bay leaf
4 cups cold water
Combine the giblets and neck with the chicken broth in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn down immediately and simmer, skimming and discarding the scum (this is nothing scarier than the protein solids from the giblets and neck, but it will cloud the broth if you leave it in) that rises to the surface with a slotted spoon. After about 20 minutes, when there is no more scum rising to the surface, add the remaining ingredients and bring the liquid back to a simmer. Simmer the broth, adding water as necessary to keep all the ingredients submerged in liquid, for 2 ½ to 3 hours. Strain and skim off any fat that settles at the top (You can use that fat for your pan gravy).
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