Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is a big responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be terrifying. The holiday is one that comes with a selection of classic dishes, and as long as no one leaves hungry, all should be good. So how do you make sure that you have enough Turkey to feed everyone without being left with leftovers for weeks?
A Birdful of Bones
It wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without turkey. As the host, you want to ensure that everyone gets a decent amount of the star of the show. If you’re buying a whole turkey, remember that a lot of it is actually bone, cartilage, and portions best left for stock, as opposed to meat.
Death to Dryness
As a protein, turkey tends to be on the dry side. There are several ways to go about keeping the bird moist, including both wet and dry brining. Another method is to separate the turkey into portions to help everything cook evenly. The thighs and legs, for example, need longer to cook, in order to be tender, than the breast.
Size Does Count
Sizing a turkey can be overwhelming. A good rule of thumb when it comes to serving is to have 1-1 ½ pounds per person. If it sounds like a lot, remember about the bones and other bits.
