Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Is Open For Business

Marjorie Klindera, supervisor of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, is stopping by to answer the most frequently asked questions to the Talk-Line and showing us how to carve a turkey.

The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line professionals are available to answer every question on how to prepare a holiday turkey. Staffed with more than 50 home economists and turkey experts during November and December, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is available to help first-time cooks and seasoned pros alike.

TURKEY QUESTIONS AND CARVING VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP...

Question 1: What's the best way to thaw a turkey?
Whenever possible, refrigerator thawing is best. However, if you are short on time and need a speedy method, try cold-water thawing. Do not ever thaw a turkey at room temperature, as this allows for bacterial growth and is never recommended.

Question 2: How can you tell 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.

Question 3: How do you carve a turkey?
Step 1 - Cut band of skin holding drumsticks. Grasp the end of the drumstick. Then place a knife between drumstick/thigh and body of the turkey, and cut through skin to joint. Remove entire leg by pulling out and back, using the point of the knife to disjoin it. Separate the thigh and drumstick at the joint.
Step 2 - Insert fork in upper wing to steady turkey. Make a long horizontal cut above wing joint through to body frame. Wing may be disjointed from body, if desired.
Step 3 - Slice straight down with an even stroke, beginning halfway up the breast. When knife reaches the cut above the wing joint, slice should fall free on its own.
Step 4 - Continue to slice breast meat easily by starting the cut at a higher point each time.

Click here to watch the turkey carving how-to video.

The Butterball Turkey Talk-Line (1-800-BUTTERBALL) is opened now through Christmas. You can also send your questions to talkline@butterball.com of join them for their Butterball Web chat on November 25 from 11am to 1pm CT.

Marjorie Klindera, Supervisor of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line