If you're intimidated by the idea of preparing a turkey, you're not alone. Having a large bird as the centerpiece of a meal can seem overwhelming at first, but the good news is it doesn't have to be when you have a simple, easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you're an experienced chef who's totally comfortable in the kitchen or a newbie, it's a myth that preparing a perfectly seasoned, juicy turkey is super challenging.
Before you get started, consider the size of the turkey you will need. A good rule of thumb is one pound of turkey per person. If you have big eaters or you want to have plenty of turkey leftovers, aim for one and a half or two pounds of turkey per person. Once you have the turkey, make sure you leave enough time for it to thaw to avoid having to cook a frozen turkey. A quick way to thaw the turkey is to put it in a bath of warm water, changing the water every half hour and allowing 30 minutes of thawing time for each pound of turkey. Be sure to also remove the giblets from the turkey. Once your turkey is thawed and ready, follow these simple steps: