tips for cooking
your turkey to perfection

Start planning your holiday menu with these delicious recipe ideas for a turkey feast that will wow guests.

We’re here to help you serve a holiday feast to remember. First and foremost, we have a simple guide for cooking turkey. Then we’ll share 2 recipes for stuffing – one classic and the other featuring winter flavours – and a recipe for gravy that you can easily make with your turkey drippings.

Guide to cooking your turkey

When cooking your turkey, make sure to check its internal temperature: the thigh should be at least 180° F and the breast should be at least 165° F. However, try not to open the oven door too many times or your turkey might not cook properly! Use your oven light instead. Keep in mind that how accurate your oven thermostat is and the temperature of the bird before cooking begins could also affect how long it needs to cook.

Number of guests	Weight of the turkey	How long the turkey needs to thaw in the fridge	Cooking time No stuffing 325°	Cooking time With stuffing 350°
8	12 lb 5.4 kg	3 days	3:15 to 3:30	3:30 to 3:45
12	18 lb 8.2 kg	4 days	3:45 to 4:00	4:00 to 4:15
16	24 lb 10.9 kg	6 days	4:45 to 5:30	5:00 to 5:15

Classic cranberry stuffing

Cranberry stuffing is a classic holiday treat. That’s because it’s so easy to prepare! You’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion
2/3 cup diced celery
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup white wine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme
3 ½ cups croutons
1 cup Selection chicken broth

Heat the oil on medium in a pot. Sauté the onion and celery for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the cranberries and wine and cook on medium until the liquid has evaporated. This should take about 3 minutes. Add the thyme, croutons, and broth. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until the croutons have absorbed all the liquid, while stirring occasionally. Let the stuffing cool down before spooning it into the turkey. As a side, you can serve roasted potatoes with thyme.

Bacon, leek, and apple stuffing

Guests will be lining up for this stuffing that combines wonderful winter flavours. You’ll need:

8 thick slices of bacon, chopped
2 leeks, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 ½ cups croutons
1 large apple, diced
1 egg

Heat the oil on medium in a large pan. Cook the bacon for 5 to 6 minutes, then set aside on a paper towel. Cook the leeks for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, apple, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and let cool. In a bowl, combine the leek mixture with the bacon, croutons, and one egg. Season with salt and pepper. Let the stuffing cool down before spooning it into the turkey. Add a bay leaf to taste.

Gravy

This recipe is a delicious way to use your turkey drippings! You’ll need:

3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons turkey fat drippings
3 cups Selection chicken broth
¼ cup milk
Salt and pepper

An easy way to collect your turkey fat drippings once the turkey has been cooked is to strain the cooking liquid through a sieve into a bowl. It should take about 1 to 2 minutes for the fat to appear on the surface. Take 3 tablespoons of the fat and dispose of the rest. In a pan, melt the fat on medium. Add flour and whisk until you get a lovely golden-brown mixture. Gradually add the broth while whisking constantly. Add the milk (to taste) and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. For a bolder flavour, add freshly chopped thyme and rosemary.

Don’t forget to check your flyer for super savings that will lower your grocery bills this season.

Moreover, we’ve prepared a Holiday Booklet that features the perfect assortment of foods for the season: appetizers, sides, and desserts – including the traditional yule log.

these articles could also interest you