 Turkey is the traditional meat for the Christmas feasts of households across the country, but the average turkey dinner is not what many of us would exactly call tasty.
It is a challenge to cook turkey properly, and cooking it for just a little too long or in the wrong way can leave you with a bird that is dried out and unpleasant. You could always go with a ham, which is much harder to dry out, but there is no need to throw the turkey tradition out if you are willing to work on your meal.
Perfecting the Turkey
There are two problems with creating a tender turkey. The first is cooking it too long. Turkey does not have a very forgiving range as far as cook times. Ask your guests to arrive before dinner is to be served, and be prepared to cut the turkey as soon as it comes out of the oven, even if Aunt Mabel is running late. This will put an end to overcooking and keep your turkey moist.
The other hindrance to keeping your turkey moist and tender is the dry heat of the oven. Most people do not think to cover their turkey when they cook it, but this lets the liquid out of the bird and makes it much harder to cook the perfect Christmas dinner. Preheat your oven to 325 Fahrenheit, season your turkey, place it in the roasting pan, and cover it with foil. Now you are ready to cook your turkey for about 11 minutes per pound if it is not stuffed, or about 15 minutes per pound if it is.
Toward the end of your cook time, be sure to check the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. Your meat should register at least 175 Fahrenheit. If it is not done yet, leave the foil off and pop it in for a little longer, but don’t let it sit too long!
Taking a look at Sides
Part two of the perfect Christmas dinner is remembering the perfect side dishes. Stuffing is often a favorite with turkey, and can be cooked stove top or stuffed inside your bird. Potatoes are often a wonderful Christmas dish in some form or other as well, and should be prepared however your family likes them best, whether that means baked, mashed, scalloped, or even fried. You should also choose a green that most people in your family can agree on in order to make your Christmas dinner special.
For a special treat that you will hardly believe is nutritious, try baked broccoli. Toss the broccoli with olive oil and a little garlic and salt, then bake it in a 425 degree oven for about 10 minutes. It should be coming out just as you are getting done carving the turkey! Top with some parmesan, and enjoy.
Remember the Details
Most of all, for a very special Christmas dinner, don’t forget sauces and sides. Gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, or any other condiment that your family loves can really be the item that makes or breaks your Christmas meal.
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