Thanksgiving Turkey Tips from Chef Daniel Orr, FARMbloomington Restaurant
Chef Daniel Orr knows his way around a holiday turkey. Here’s his tips.
The Basics
Defrost - Defrosting should ideally begin up to a week beforehand. Every four pounds of a frozen turkey will take about a day to thaw in the refrigerator. Although there are quicker ways, the best approach to guarantee that it is completely and evenly defrosted is to defrost it in the refrigerator.
Preheat Oven - To make sure the turkey will fit, move one oven rack to the lowest position and take out any others before turning on the oven. Preheat the oven to 325ºF when you're ready to begin cooking a turkey because it's a smart idea to cook it slowly. Take the turkey out of the fridge. Remove the giblets and neck after unwrapping it, if applicable. Together with the turkey, roast the neck. It will give the gravy a wonderful flavor.) As the oven preheats, leave the turkey at room temperature for one hour.
Let It Rest - After the turkey is done, place it on a big cutting board and cover it with a large sheet of aluminum foil. While you are preparing the gravy, let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes. Although this might seem like a long time, a 20-pound bird will hold a lot of heat, and allowing it to rest helps the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.
To Brine is Divine
The turkey is brined by soaking it in liquid, salt, and sugar. After absorbing the liquid, the turkey is less likely to become excessively dry. It's somewhat of a free-for-all, so feel free to add as many things as you like to your brine.
Proper Brining Components
salt
sugar
sorghum
orange
lemon
lime water
cloves
allspice
bay leaves
oregano
Make It Look Good!
Feel free to add a variety of fruits and vegetables to your turkey to make it look more elegant. Lemons, oranges, and berries provide the ideal pop of color to guarantee a lively display. Additionally, remember to purchase a free-range, locally grown turkey. Birds that are happy taste better!
Looking for the perfect spot to host your next company holiday party or planning an unforgettable dining experience in Bloomington? Look no further than FARM Restaurant! Reserve your table today by visiting our website www.farm-bloomington.com, calling us directly at (812) 323-0002, or booking through your OpenTable App. Don’t wait—spaces fill up fast during the holiday season!