Method

1. Make sure you defrost the turkey slowly. A 5lb oven-ready turkey will take 15 hours to defrost at room temperature. A 20lb bird needs 30 hours.
2. Once the turkey is defrosted, remove the giblets, keep it in a fridge and cook within 24 hours.
3. It is safer to cook the stuffing separately from the turkey to give the turkey a better chance of cooking right through. Use a meat thermometer if possible.
4. If you are not eating the turkey straight away, remove from the oven and allow to cool thoroughly. Once cooled, refrigerate as soon as you can.

Notes