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Home » Travel, Adventure and Fun

Talking Turkey

Published: Sep 12, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 15 Comments

Talking Turkey - and get all of your turkey questions answered here!

In November of 2013, before I started my blog, I had an opportunity to present a recipe to the local area via KSEE24 News. It was the morning show meaning I had to get up and cook not one...but two turkeys! And the team would arrive for filming at 4:30 am.

Jump to:
  • Recipe backstory
  • Talking turkey
  • Frequently asked turkey questions
  • Leftover turkey recipes
  • Serve with

Recipe backstory

But...I am ahead of myself. Let me back up a bit!

We had just came home from Florida - while in Florida, I wasn't feeling well. I had a terrible earache and on the way home, my ear drum burst. It was very painful.

Well when we got home the first thing I did was sit down & watch the news. They were looking for on air volunteers to cook Thanksgiving Food and of course I thought of my Holiday Turkey Recipe!

I immediately submitted my recipe for consideration, then went to the Doctor (remember the ear thing?) and came home to find out I was chosen!

And they would be at our home tomorrow!

At 4:30 in the morning...

Oh my gosh, I had two concerns.....what would I tell my hubby and what would I wear? 😀  Such a girl....

Well I immediately went to the store - picked up two fresh turkeys and all the ingredients. Set my alarm to get up bright and early to put the first turkey in.....at 2:30 in the morning!

The KSEE24 team arrived; Matt Otstot and camera man George, right on time at 4:30 and at 5am we were broadcasting from our kitchen - live television. It was super fun - the guys made us feel right at home and we had a blast.

Matt on air
Matt on air

Talking turkey

Here's a rule of thumb for cooking turkey breast cooking times:

  • Turkey breast - 4 to 8 pounds: 1 ½ to 3 ¼ hours. The timing depends on the size of the breast and whether it's boneless or bone-in.

And for whole turkey cooking times:

  • 8 to 12 pounds: 2 ¾ to 3 hours.
  • 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 ¾ hours.
  • 14 to 18 pounds: 3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours.
  • 18 to 20 pounds: 4 ¼ to 4 ½ hours.
  • 20 to 24 pounds: 4 ½ to 5 hours.
Matt, Deb & Turkey
Matt, Deb & Turkey

Frequently asked turkey questions

Does it take longer to cook a stuffed turkey than an unstuffed turkey.

Yes, it takes longer to cook a stuffed turkey. It will depend on the many things starting with how much the turkey weighs.

How do you make a juicy turkey not dry?

There are many ways to ensure a juicy turkey! Allow the turkey to rest before carving. Rub butter under the skin before baking and brining the turkey. The combination of these will ensure a tasty bird!

How do you know when a turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. That's the fool-proof way to ensure the bird is done. The temperature in the breast should be 170 and in the thigh 180 degrees F.

Should I cover my turkey with foil while cooking?

A combination of covering the turkey and uncovering at the end will ensure a moist, juicy bird with a golden brown crispy skin.

What do you put inside a turkey for flavor?

Seasoning the inside of the turkey with salt, black pepper and garlic, then adding celery and onions will help infuse the bird with flavor. Do not add stuffing to the bird cavity.

Do you wash a turkey before cooking?

No, do not rinse the turkey before cooking. Washing the turkey in the sink may lead to the spread of bacteria in the sink or on your countertops. Just don't do it!

Should I baste my turkey?

Yes basting the turkey will help add flavor and crisp up the skin.

Leftover turkey recipes

  • One of my favorite recipes to make with leftover turkey is Turkey Corn Chowder. It's so flavorful and such an easy soup!
  • Turkey Pot Pie from leftovers is another super tasty recipe!

Serve with

Over 50 excellent Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes.

We had some time between the "live" spots to take a few pictures and chat.

Then it was time to get to work! Matt rolled up his sleeves and prepped the turkey, rubbing it with bacon drippings, butter and herbs.

Time to roll up your sleeves!
Time to roll up your sleeves!

The bottom of the pan had carrots, onions and butternut squash. Topped with some wine and chicken broth, into the oven it went!

Matt, George, Dan & I
Matt, George, Dan & I

That gave us more time to goof around a bit. We got a great selfie (something I specialize in 🤪).

We were able to see a bit about how the TV process works and it only took 4 takes at the end for my hubby and I to record a spot to air the following morning - we're not naturals, what can I say!

At the end of the show, turkey number one was done and ready to come out of the oven. It was gorgeous!

Talking Turkey with KSEE24 News
Talking Turkey with KSEE24 News

I can't lie, I was pretty nervous. It was something new and scary and I was worried the turkey wouldn't turn out or that it wouldn't be done in time, or that it wouldn't be beautiful.

But it did, it was AND it was delicious!

Turkey Close-up
Turkey Close-up

After everything was over,  we sent the team back with a care package for the station and whew....the day was done!

Wait....it was only 7:30 in the morning! The day had barely started, but it was a full day for us and I was exhausted!

Care package for the station.
Care package for the station.

It was a lot of work, but it was a blast!!! In fact, I had so much fun, I volunteered again and did this the next 3 years! KSEE24 Sunrise News keeps coming back year after year!

I'm going to make some soup and talk about what to do with leftovers. This time I'll be cooking with Teresa Sardina. If you're in the Fresno area, tune into the morning show on KSEE24 News!

  • Holiday Turkey recipe
  • Artichoke Pull Apart Bread
  • Cranberry Apple Orange Sauce

p.s. and the earache? Well, it didn't bother me a bit for those 2 hours, funny how that worked! 🙂

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Healing Tomato

    December 15, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    This is so cool! How thrilling to have the KSEE24 news team cook with you. Congrats and this is a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 17, 2014 at 6:56 am

      Thanks Rini, it was so much fun!

      Reply
  2. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist

    November 30, 2014 at 10:00 am

    If i lived local, I would totally tune! Maybe there will be a youtube clip? This looks like so much fun.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 02, 2014 at 8:12 am

      Super fun Michelle!

      Reply
  3. Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets)

    November 29, 2014 at 11:54 am

    This looks so good. I don't know why we only celebrate turkey only once a year.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      December 02, 2014 at 8:12 am

      I agree, it's so good and such great value also.

      Reply
  4. christine

    November 26, 2014 at 6:42 am

    What a fun experience. Your story just brought me back to when Gordon Ramsay and his crew were filming in my home. So stressful and so fun at the same time! Like a tornado coming through. Congrats on a great job!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 26, 2014 at 10:49 am

      Wow, Gordon Ramsay? How fun was that?? I bet it was a blast, yes a fun whirl of energy - what an awesome morning.

      Reply
  5. The Food Hunter

    November 26, 2014 at 6:42 am

    Oh how fun and way cool!! Congrats

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 26, 2014 at 10:48 am

      Thanks so much!!!

      Reply
  6. Lois

    November 25, 2014 at 7:05 am

    I have used this recipe several time and have eaten it when Deb fixed it and has just been wonderful every time. So moist and good.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 26, 2014 at 10:47 am

      Thanks Mom, this one is just the best!

      Reply
  7. Yolanda

    November 24, 2014 at 12:02 am

    Congratulations, I will definitely be watching the morning news. I will definitely be trying your recipes soon. I will be working at Vons on Cedar and Shepard week of Thanksiving hope to see you. I did get transfered to our store on Ashlan and Fowler ave.. I do miss all my great customers in your area. Take care, Blessings through out this Holiday season- Always Yolanda

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 24, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Wonderful Yolanda - I know you!! I will say hi when I'm at Von's this week! Have a wonderful Holiday season also. Deb

      Reply

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