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How to cook a turkey the day before serving it
Sometimes it may be easier to prepare your turkey the day before you plan to serve it. Here is how to do it safely:
Cook the Turkey
First, set your oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Always wash hands, utensils, the sink and anything else that comes in contact with raw turkey and its juices with soap and water. Remove the giblet package before cooking. Remember to use a food thermometer. If your turkey has a “pop-up” temperature indicator, it is recommended that you also check the internal temperature of the turkey in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit as measured with a food thermometer.
1. Wait about 20 minutes after removing turkey from the oven to allow the juices to distribute.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds.
3. Slice breast meat; legs and wings may be left whole. Place turkey in shallow containers; limit depth to less than two inches. Metal containers cool faster than glass-type pans or plastic containers.
4. Refrigerate turkey, loosely covered to help cool faster. Cover tightly when food is completely cooled.
5. Save broth in shallow containers for gravy and place in refrigerator.
Reheat the Turkey
When serving your turkey the next day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline advises that cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat your turkey, USDA gives the following recommendations:
In the Oven:
1. Set the oven temperature no lower than 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
3. Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature.
In the Microwave Oven:
1. Put turkey in a microwave-safe container.
2. To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
3. Cover your food and rotate it for even heating.
4. Consult your microwave oven owner’s manual for recommended times and power levels.
5. Allow standing time. Check the internal temperature of your food with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Leftover Turkey
Throw out any leftovers left at room temperature longer than two hours. Either freeze leftover turkey or plan to eat it within three-to-four days of the day it was originally prepared. For best safety and quality, avoid reheating and cooling turkey multiple times.
Traveling with Turkey
It is easier and safer to bring turkey precooked and cold. Carry it in an insulated cooler packed with ice or frozen gel packs to keep the cooler temperature under 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Then reheat the turkey at your final destination.
(Source: Nebraska Extension Food Calendar)
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