Lou's - Basic Turkey Cooking

18 years ago

I havn't been on the FF, except to peep in now and then.

Busy with personal things.

A few of you have sent me an email, asking about

cooking a Turkey in a roasting pan with a lid.

It is very simple and Basic. Don't worry it will cook perfect.

Here I have the bird all washed and dryed, ready to stuff.

I have the roasting pan ready with a butcher string ladder,

that I made for easy lifting the bird out, when done.

Next stuff the stuffing into that sucker.

I tied the wings to the legs (cris cross) so they don't flop down.

I used 3 long skewers to hold the opening closed and I think it transfers the heat into the center a little.

It is all oiled and sprinkled with Garlic, Onion and Parsley.

I had to use a larger pan so I put a little water in the bottom and

covered it with Alluminum Foil, sealed tight.

Stuck the thermometer in and it is ready to go into the oven.

I'll cook this one till about 165 deg. and the legs are starting to loosen.( about 5 hours )

If the bird hasn't browned enough, when it is about 155 deg. , take the foil off to brown it faster ,

Basting as it cooks. If it is browned enough put the foil back on.

I use the butcher string ladder, to lift the bird out of the pan, onto a platter and cover it with the foil.

I use all the juices for Gravy. I just add some water and

a couple tablespoons of Tomatoe Sauce or Ketsup

Put in some Chicken Soup Base , to taste and add Spices.

I thicken with Corn Starch in water.

There are many methods and different utensils for cooking a turkey.

I try to stay with traditional methods, maybe because it brings back good memories.

Happy Thanksgiving, LOU

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Comments (20)

lucyny
18 years ago
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! LOU

Did Ya Hit the Jackpot in AC????? :^ )

Lucy
earthlydelights
18 years ago
lou, wonderful to see ya!
i think you never got any of my emails, but that's okay. just know i've been thinking of you :-)

maryanne
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denise8101214
18 years ago
I want my turkey to look like that!

Could you please come hold my hand?
User
18 years ago
Glad to see you back on the forum, I hope you are doing all right.

That turkey looks great, it would make my mother and grandmother proud, they laced and skewered too, and their turkeys were wonderful. I still have my mother's covered roasting pan, guess I'll have to give it a try.

Happy Thanksgiving.
msafirstein
18 years ago
Gorgeous turkey Lou!!!

I've never baked a turkey in my life! Joe does it or Mom or Sister and I just make sides, dessert and breads!

This year our turkey looks sort of skinny and I think 1 of the legs is broken! Geesh, a handicapped turkey for TG! Let's just hope it tastes good!!

Michelle
chancesmom
18 years ago
Hi Lou!
msazadi
18 years ago
That's one big bird, and darn good looking...how many are in the army you're feeding!??! Have a great day Lou. Maureen
compumom
18 years ago
Hi Lou, thanks for giving us a refresher course in turkey roating! You made the rope ladder? Wow! Would you give us directions how sometime later on?
hawk307
Original Author
18 years ago
Hi Everyone: Thanks for all the responses.
Thought I'd throw in a picture of the finished product.

I had to get out the wooded spoon to keep everyone
from ripping off pieces, until I took a photo.
The turkey was about only about 18 lbs.
We are getting ready to dig into it now.

Maryanne: I thought I sent you a reply. ?????
In the last few weeks my head is spinning.
Had as room for 2 nights at the Hilton but only stayed one.
Just wasn't the same. Guess I'll have to get used to it.

Lucy : I won some. Happy Thanksgiving to you too
Ellen: The butcher string ladder is simple to make.
It worked out well.

{{!gwi}}

I'll do a catchup soon and answer all the emails if I missed any.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
LOU
User
18 years ago
Oh Lou what a wonderful looking bird!!!

I cook my turkeys exactly the same way except no string lifter. It was the way my Mother cooked it and her Mom before...no sense messing with perfection!

Now about that string lifter...........

Happy Thanksgiving Lou .
lackboys3
18 years ago
Good to see you back here Lou - you've been missed. Your turkey looks great, and the butcher twine ladder is pure genius!!

Take care and Happy Thanksgiving to you!
DONNA
User
18 years ago
Gorgeous Bird ! Happy Thanksgiving Lou. I roasted mine with fresh rosemary, sage and thyme inside ... salt and pepper, then just rub olive oil over the outside with some salt and pepper ... oh and tucked a few of the fresh herbs under the breast skin. If I say so myself :) self ... that was one moist bird !
Terri_PacNW
18 years ago
That looks fabulous Lou!
Hubby miss judged his oil heating up time..Um the original plan was to eat at two, then he backed it back to 3 since his "fav" College Basketball team was playing....well it's 2:27 and the turkeys are still on the counter!!!!! The whole bird will take about 46 minutes, then resting time..
Good thing carrots are around to nibble on!
canarybird01
18 years ago
Good to see you Lou!

And that's a really fine turkey you've made.

I'm sure you and your family will really enjoy that turkey dinner. Stuffing looks delicious too!

SharonCb
hawk307
Original Author
18 years ago
Here is a sketch of the Butcher String ladder.
It is very simple.
I think I got one; something like this, when I bought a turkey,years ago.

Lay the 28in. double piece out on the table and open it out to about 8 inches.
Tie a knot on the one end. Cut 3- 12 inch pieces and
space them like rungs on a ladder , as in the sketch.
Tie these to the 28 in. pieces with one knot.
Then loop the loose end around the side of the ladder and tie another knot.
This will keep it from sliding or moving around.
After you have tied all 6 ends, lay the ladder in the roasting pan,
Place the bird on top and test it out. If it is ssfe, you are set.
I use it this way, because I put a little water in the bottom of the Pan.

When the bird is cooked ,I find the ends with a fork and
lift the bird out and onto a Platter.
You can add more rungs if you want, according to the size of the bird.
Or you can use it for large roasts. There are many gadgets
avaiable, for the same purpose.

{{!gwi}}

Here is a picture; after Dinner, of the Turkey that I showed in the previous Thread.

{{!gwi}}

Lou
Terri_PacNW
18 years ago
WOW..that's some turkey cleaning!
msafirstein
18 years ago
WOW...what a delicious looking turkey. Looks like a cover for a Thanksgiving Magazine!

The "after" picture looks like the buzzards got to it! Must have been darn good!!! Guess you don't have to worry about left overs.

Michelle
kathleen_li
18 years ago
Hi Lou, I was so happy to see your post.
compumom
18 years ago
Congratulations!! Obviously your turkey was as delicious as it appeared! Our hostess' turkey was drier than usual, UGH! Thanks for the ladder info, it's copied and pasted!
san_
18 years ago
good job, lou! clearly your friends and family enjoyed your efforts--there's just about enough of your bird left to make some stock--if you hurry up and get it into a covered pot, that is :)

Lou's - Basic Turkey Cooking

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lucyny

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