How do I cook a turkey?

[grumblebee]

Don't laugh... I'm a pescatarian. I've never in my entire life cooked a turkey, because I dont eat it! However, with Canadian thanksgiving just around the corner, I figured I'd invite my family over here and prepare it. I'll be making the standard potatoes, roasted asparagus/brussels sprouts, gravy, cranberries, etc. but I dont know how to deal with Mr. Turkey.

I've bought one of those frozen pre-stuffed birds, but I honestly dont know how to deal with it. I imagine I'll have to defrost it ahead of time. Can I just put it in the fridge overnight to defrost? Also, when I do get around to cooking it, can I just put it in the roasting pan and stick it in the oven or is there anything else I need to do? What about basting? How often?

Sorry to ask such a basic question... i know its silly. Everything I know about cooking and I dont even know how to roast a turkey!

[Eaglelox]

i like to put rub on the bird then smoke it for 4 hours, cover with tin foil then finnish baking it in the oven. i take the foil off in the last 20 or so minutes as well as a butter bath to get a nice brown. i dont stuff the bird when i do it this way.

i didnt see that the bird was already stuffed. sorry.

[Half Baked]

Are there directions on the turkey? I've never purchased a frozen bird that was pre-stuffed.

[bullseye]

How much does the turkey weigh? It takes a long time to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator--days. I've never done a pre-stuffed turkey. Are there any instructions?

[amber]

Have you checked the chicken/turkey forum? There are so many ways to cook a turkey.

[QSis]

I've never bought (nor heard of) a pre-stuffed frozen turkey, grumble, but it looks as if you should cook it frozen, NOT thawed.

http://www.ehow.com/how_6593_prepare...ed-frozen.html

Lee

[kitchenelf]

I've never heard of a pre-stuffed turkey either but it looks like Qsis has you covered!!!!!

You are VERY brave - good luck - and Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends!.

[college_cook]

The best turkeys I've had have been deep fried. Though I think it requires some specialty equipment and a LOT of peanut oil to do.

[Shunka]

Qsis is right about not thawing the pre-stuffed bird. I have never gotten one of those but know people that have. There should be instructions on the packaging or just use the link Qsis posted.

[grumblebee]

Thanks for the help guys. I was a bit panicky as I just got home from the store and realized I had no clue on how to deal with Mr. Turkey. I did a google search and came across very helpful and specific instructions on the Butterball website. Even someone as clueless as I am about poultry should be able to follow those instructions... thank goodness! There were some good tips there too, like rubbing a bit of oil on the top of the breast before sticking it in the oven - apperantly that helps keep the juices in and works better than basting.

Anyway, I figure even if the turkey turns out horribly (but it should be foolproof, I hope...) there will be a ton of other good foodstuffs for everyone to enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving!