Getting the turkey ready for Thanksgiving

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Preparing the turkey for thanksgiving is a lot of work, and it can get a little messy too if you don’t cook with care. The Food and Drug Administration has a few reminders about thawing the bird. If you’re using the cold water method, submerge the turkey in its original packaging in cold tap water. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes, and you need to allow about 30 minutes per pound of turkey to defrost. if you’re doing the refrigerator route, place it as originally wrapped on a shelf with a pan underneath to catch any leaking juices, and you need to allow about 24 hours for each four to five pounds of turkey. Here’s a guide: 4 TO 12 POUNDS: 1 TO 3 DAYS 12 TO 16 POUNDS: 3 TO 4 DAYS 16 TO 20 POUNDS: 4 TO 5 DAYS 20 TO 24 POUNDS: 5 TO 6 DAYS