Talking turkey: UW Extension offers Thanksgiving tips

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – If you are cooking at turkey at home, there are some things you can do to be safe.

When it comes to thawing a turkey, it takes about one day for every four pounds to thaw in the refrigerator.

And if you are thawing it in cold water, you should change the water every thirty minutes and cook immediately once it is thawed.

Once you get it into the oven, there are things you need to watch for as well.

“Having that meat thermometer is going to be really important for turkey, because it’s not going to cook as fast as chicken. And if you forgot to thaw it all the way and you pop it in the oven, there’s that possibility that some parts aren’t going to be done,” said UW Extension educator Heather Quackenboss.

Turkey should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.

You can plan on cooking your turkey for about 13 to 15 minutes per pound.

The USDA has more tips available here.

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