How to prepare the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving feast

TULSA - What are the holidays without a turkey?

Thanksgiving dinner usually revolves around a glorious, bronzed turkey. This is actually one of the easiest parts of the meal. Below are a few ways to make sure your turkey is top-notch at the dining table this year.

Mrs. Cubbisons suggests planning on about 1 pound of turkey for each adult and a half pound for each child.

You can buy a frozen turkey and thaw it ahead of time, or order one fresh. Whatever you do, be sure to allow ample time for preparation. There is nothing worse than when the main course isn't fully prepared. And you definitely don't want to make your holiday guests sick.

Butterball.com suggests several ways to prepare the perfect bird. Below is a short list of steps that can help you achieve "Turkey success."

Step One: Clean your bird

First and foremost, make sure the turkey is clean. You'll need to run the bird under water for a while, and fully wash and rinse the outside and inside of the bird.

Step Two: Seasoning

If you like it simple you can season your turkey with salt and pepper, but this is where you can get creative. Feel free to season your bird as you would like, but be sure to not get carried away. An overly seasoned dish is just as bad as an under seasoned one. 

Step Three: Stuffing

There are a variety of different stuffing recipes out there to choose from, so you can also be creative with this as well. But, just pick out the best stuffing that is suitable for your time. Some stuffing takes much longer to prepare than others and requires more ingredients.

Step Four: Baking time

Preheat your oven to 350°. You'll need a span that's large enough to accomodate your turkey. Before you put the bird in the oven, make sure your oven rack has been moved and there is ample space for the turkey.

According to butterball.com it is important to also know exactly when your turkey is done. Use a meat thermometer to take the guesswork out of determining when your turkey is done. A meat thermometer is designed to give you an accurate reading for a thoroughly cooked turkey.

Your turkey Is done when the meat thermometer reaches the following temperatures:

1. 180 degrees deep in the thigh. At this temperature, juices should be clear, not reddish pink, when thigh muscle is pierced deeply.
2. 165 degrees in the center of the stuffing, if turkey is stuffed. When the stuffed turkey is done, remove turkey from the oven and let the turkey with stuffing stand 15 minutes.

Even if Mom's not around, you don't have to be on your own in the kitchen.

There's professional advice at your fingertips through the Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line. No question is too tough for these turkey talkers, and they are ready and excited to tackle any challenge you throw at them. Give them a call at 1-800-BUTTERBALL or email them at talkline@butterball.com throughout November and December.