Buying the Turkey

Firstly, buy a turkey that has no stuff added to it - no self-basting - all they are adding is broth and fat - and it makes it impossible to make a decent gravy - they are just not worth it - if you are going to go through all the hassle of cooking a turkey dinner - the turkey ought to be the best you can get!

Buy a fresh turkey - there are two reasons for this - one is that they taste better - the second (as Chris knows only too well) is that you don't have to defrost it. If you do get a frozen one, defrost it in the refrigerator for at least 48 hours before you need to cook it - check the night before and if you think it is still too frozen - leave it out for a few hours.

Buy at least a 20 pound bird - it is stupid to go through all this trouble for a 10 pounder - and you certainly won't want to cook again for at least a week - so it might as well be a big one!