Turkey Cooking Tips and Ideas for Leftovers

Turkey Tips

What size to buy:

• 3kg serves 6–7
• 4kg serves 8–9
• 6kg serves 12–13
• 8kg serves 16–18
• 10kg serves 20

Turkey cooking times:

• Take the turkey out of the fridge an hour before roasting to allow it to come to room temperature.
• Weigh the turkey after you have stuffed it to work out the cooking time
• For turkeys up to 8kgs allow 15–20 minutes per ½kg
• For turkeys over 8kgs allow 10–15 minutes per ½kg
• Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 7, 220°C (450°F). Cover the turkey loosely with tin foil and roast for ¾ hour then reduce the heat to Gas Mark 3, 170°C (325°F). For the last half hour remove the tin foil.
• To test if the turkey is cooked, push a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh – the juices should run clear. If they are pinkish, cook for 15 minutes more, then test again. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer. This will eliminate guesswork.
• When cooked transfer the turkey to a platter, cover with foil, then a couple of tea towels, and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will make the turkey easier to carve and it also gives you a chance to turn up the heat on the oven and finish the ham and roast potatoes.
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Quick Guide to Cooking Times:

These times work for full turkeys, turkey crowns and other turkey joints

Approximate Weight - Cooking Time

• 2kgs - 1hr 10 mins
• 4kgs - 2hr 20 mins
• 6kgs - 3hr 30 mins
• 8kgs - 4hr 10 mins
• 10kgs - 4hr 50 mins

Some quick and delicious ideas for using up leftover turkey and ham:

• Add to Macaroni and Cheese to make a nutritious and filling supper that all the family will enjoy
• Chop up and add to scrambled eggs and omelettes
• Combine with a tin of tomatoes, some garlic and basil for a tasty pasta sauce
• Cooked ham and/or turkey, spinach, cheese and eggs are a delicious combination for quiches and tarts
• Use in a salad with chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, mixed leaves and a blue cheese dressing
• Toast some bread and top with sliced ham, roasted peppers, a few sprigs of thyme and a slice of cheese. Pop under the grill until the cheese is bubbling. Delicious!
• Team up with a fruity chutney or stuffing to make sandwiches on St. Stephens Day
• The turkey carcase and ham bone will make wonderful stock for soup.