
PREPARATION FOR ROASTING: Allow sufficient time to defrost the bird if it is frozen. Singe the bird; then remove any pinfeathers with tweezers or catch the feathers between thumb and pairing knife. If necessary, cut oil sack from tip of tail. Remove bits of lung and liver and any large layers of fat. Wash bird thoroughly inside and out under cold running water. Drain bird well and dry with paper towels. Wrap loosely in waxed paper and chill until ready to stuff and roast the bird.
STUFFING AND TRUSSING: Rub body cavity lightly with salt. Spoon stuffing into cavity; do not pack. Four ready-to-cook turkeys, chickens and duckling, allow 3/3 to 1 cup stuffing per pound. (Leftover stuffing may be placed in a casserole and baked separately; spoon pan drippings over stuffing in the casserole occasionally, if desired. To close cavity, insert wooden picks or metal skewers along edges of the skin; lace with twine. If neck cavity is to be filled, stuff loosely and skewer neck skin to back. Tie legs together and fasten to tail. Fold wings under bird or tie wings to body. Roast at once.

ROASTING TURKEY
OPEN PAN METHOD: Rub skin of prepared bird generously with melted shortening. Place bird, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow pan or open roaster. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, close to body. Cover bird with a double thickness of cheesecloth dipped in melted shortening. Roast according to Timetable, below. Baste often with pan drippings or additional shortening. Bird is done when meat on leg can be easily pierce with a fork; thermometer should register 190°.
Roast Turkey Timetable
Ready-to-Cook Wt. | Time (approx.) | Oven Temp. |
4 to 8 lb. | 3 to 4 hours | 325° |
8 to 12 lb | 4 to 4 1/2 hours | 325° |
12 to 16 lb | 4 1/2 to 5 hours | 325° |
16 to 20 lb | 5 1/2 to 7 hours | 325° |
20 to 24 lb | 7 to 8 hours | 325° |
ALUMINUM FOIL METHOD: Wrap turkey as directed for chicken (see 2 Ways to Roast Chicken, Index I). Roast in a very hot oven for 450°. Allow 16 to 13 min. per pound for 8- to 13-lb birds; 13 to 9 minutes for 14- to 21-lb birds; 9 to 8 minutes for 22- to 24-lb birds. About 20 minutes before end of time, turn foil back to brown bird.
Published by –COOKINDEX — Division of H.S. Stuttman Co., Inc. New York. © Copyright 1958 Tested Recipe Institute, Inc. New York