For this Meat Tip Monday, we are focusing on how to cook a fresh turkey. First, you want to pre-order your own fresh Amish turkey either online or by calling The Meat Market (608) 836-7400 or Local Source Foods (608) 662-0660! To learn how to cook a fresh turkey please follow these cooking tips:

Prepare Your Turkey

First, you want to double bag your turkey and store it in the coldest part of the fridge which is usually in the back corners. Take out your turkey once it’s time for it to be cooked and place it on a large roasting pan fitted with a rack. Next, rub the entire turkey with herb butter made with kosher salt, pepper, fresh rosemary, and unsalted butter. Make sure to sprinkle some salt and pepper inside the cavity of the turkey.

Cooking Your Turkey

First, preheat your oven between 375° -400° F. A fresh turkey should take about 12-15 minutes per pound to cook. Once the oven is preheated cover the turkey with aluminum foil and cook the turkey for 25 minutes. Try to avoid opening up the oven door during the cooking process. Once the 25 minutes are up drop the oven temperature to 300° F and continue to roast. Once half of the cooking time has passed check the temperature of the turkey by sticking a meat thermometer between the thigh and breast. For the remainder of the roasting period make sure to baste the turkey every 15 minutes until it’s fully cooked (use the juices from the bottom of the pan). Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160° F remove the foil and allow the skin to brown until the internal temperature is at 165° F. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest inside the foil for about 15 minutes.

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