Five Absolutely Essential Turkey Prep & Cooking Survival Tips

When it comes to preparing the family's Thanksgiving turkey, everyone has their own way of doing things. But there are certain cooking and preparation tips that are universals to make sure we survive to enjoy another Thanksgiving, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Let's review...

DO NOT wash your turkey before cooking it. The US Department of Agriculture says washing a turkey can cause bacteria to spread on other surfaces up to three feet away, increasing the likelihood of food-borne illness.

They say cooking turkey and other raw meats to the right temperature kills any bacteria that may be present so washing isn’t necessary.

Properly defrost the turkey: Defrost the turkey before you try to cook it. Otherwise, you risk having some under-cooked portions. Leaving a turkey exposed to between 40°F and 140° F for more than two hours gives bacteria time for bacteria to check in, do the nasty, and multiply. You do not want your turkey to become a motel for bacteria.

Cook stuffing before you stuff the turkey or better yet don’t stuff the turkey: If the uncooked stuffing has bacteria, you will essentially be stuffing bacteria into your turkey. As we have concluded, giving your guests bacteria is not recommended, unless they voted for the other person in the recent election. Stuffing a turkey can make it more difficult to cook everything thoroughly.

Use a turkey thermometer: You cannot tell whether a turkey is done from its color, texture, smell, or juices. The only way is a turkey thermometer. Your magic number is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius. That’s the temperature that kills the bacteria that commonly cause food poisoning. Move the thermometer around to the deepest parts of the turkey to ensure that all parts of the turkey are thoroughly cooked.

Thoroughly wash everything that has touched the uncooked or under-cooked turkey: Everything. Forks, knives, spoons, tong, EVERYTHING! Don't forget to handle leftovers swiftly and appropriately.