All Things Turkey and Some Christmas Confessions from Tom

Introduction

Christmas is a time for family, food, and festivities. And what would Christmas dinner be without a delicious turkey? In this episode of the BBC Good Food Podcast, Tom Kerridge shares his top tips for cooking the perfect turkey, as well as some of his own Christmas confessions.

Choosing the perfect turkey

The first step to cooking a great turkey is choosing the right one. Tom recommends buying a fresh, free-range turkey that has been dry-aged for at least 21 days. This will ensure that the turkey is tender and flavorful.

Preparing the turkey

Once you have chosen your turkey, it is important to prepare it properly before cooking. Tom recommends removing the giblets and neck, and then trussing the turkey with kitchen string. This will help the turkey to cook evenly.

Cooking the turkey

There are many different ways to cook a turkey, but Tom's preferred method is to roast it in the oven. He recommends roasting the turkey at a high temperature for the first 30 minutes, and then reducing the temperature for the remaining cooking time. This will help to create a crispy skin and juicy meat.

Resting the turkey

Once the turkey is cooked, it is important to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

Carving the turkey

Carving the turkey can be a daunting task, but with a little practice, it can be done easily. Tom recommends using a sharp carving knife and slicing the turkey against the grain. This will help to create thin, even slices.

Christmas confessions

In addition to sharing his top tips for cooking turkey, Tom also shares some of his own Christmas confessions. He admits to accidentally setting fire to the Christmas tree one year, and to eating so much Christmas pudding that he was sick.

Conclusion

Cooking a turkey is a great way to celebrate Christmas. With a little planning and preparation, you can create a delicious and memorable meal for your family and friends.