how to cook a turkey?

[chell]

Why don't you just call your husband's aunt and ask her how she does her turkey? She would probably be pleased that you remembered how good it was and happy to help out a first timer.

I wish I could...my husbands family does not really speak English to good. Plus, they live far way and really dont even know us so they porbably wont even give me the time of day!

I do however remeber some1 saying that they had to get up in the middle of the night to start the turkey. Has any1 ever had a turkey that was cooked for a long period of time? My parents always cook it for 3-4 hours. I think this lady cooked her turkey for 12 hours or so. What temp would I cook it at if I kept it in for 12 hour? Thanks

Don't try to cook it for a long time until you are experienced with cooking turkey because it can become dry and nasty very quickly. I grew up believing I hated turkey because my mother would cook hers all night.

With this being your first stick with something simple.

 

[Calliaz]

I will also promote Alton Brown's turkey instructions. I've done them. It's not hard and the result is amazing.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[KathyTX]

I do the butter, salt and pepper thing.

Best and simplest instructions I ever got for roasting a turkey were sent to me by WebmasterAlex several years ago. He has a very domestic side!