How to Cook a Turkey

Making a turkey is not as hard as you might think. So this Thanksgiving, don't be intimidated by it! Although there are a variety of ways to cook your turkey -- deep frying, roasting, or even grilling your turkey -- at More Than Paper, we have a tried and true method.  You get tender, juicy turkey with this one! What's the secret? It's all in a bag! That's right. Oven roasting bags. There is no brining needed, no injections, no basting. You truly get juicy meat that tastes delicious AND even better, it is super easy.

Here's a step by step tutorial on how to cook a turkey in an oven roasting bag!

1) The first step is a crucial one. Make sure your turkey is thawed. Many turkeys that you will pick up from the grocery store are frozen.  You need to let it thaw 2-3 days in the refrigerator before cooking. For this post, we chose to cook an 11 lb turkey.

2) Get your oven bag ready and your turkey ready. Wash your turkey thoroughly in a clean sink. Remove the head, neck, other gibblets and set aside for gravy.

3) Coat your bag with flour! 

4) Rub your turkey down with a stick of butter. An entire stick will do the trick! No substituting here - use the real thing! 

5) After it's covered in butter, season with salt and pepper.

6) Rough cut some white onions and carrots. This will make your gravy delicious!

7) Prepare the stuffing in advance. When it's cooled, stuff the turkey. 

8) Place the stuffed turkey, onions and carrots in the flour coated bag and then in an oven roasting pan. The turkey should be breast side up. Seal the bag and then poke with 5-7 small holes for the steam to escape.

9) Place the turkey inside a 350 degree oven. For an 11 lb turkey, cook for 2 hours and 45 minutes. THAT's IT! 

10) To make some gravy, put the gibblets and the liquids from the bag into a saucepan. Whisk in flour gradually until the gravy thickens to desired consistency. Remove giblets and serve gravy immediately. 

11) Carve your turkey and enjoy!

So what do you think? Will you attempt a turkey this Thanksgiving? Head on over to More Than Paper to shop great hostess gift ideas, entertaining accessories and more for this Thanksgiving holiday!