The countdown to Thanksgiving is at two days. Hopefully, if you are in charge of the meal, you have several steps taken care of already, like shopping, some make-ahead sides and of course, the turkey is thawing in the fridge. All that said, there are some numbers you need to have handy for the big day.
325… That is the temperature to roast your turkey in the oven
165… The temperature the meat should reach at the thickest part of the breast or thigh, without putting a thermometer against a bone
165… The temperature your stuffing should reach whether it is in the bird or in a separate pan.
2 Hours… The maximum you should let your food stand after it is cooked before it should be put in the refrigerator. And that is two hours from the end of cooking, not the end of the meal.
Finally, a toll-free number, 1-888-674-6854, for the USDA’s Meat and Poultry Hotline for Frequently Asked Questions of cooking and handling of meat and poultry items.
Check the KCHI Website for Tom’s Turkey Tidbits.
