For Ladies and Chefs Turkey Crown

I am seeking advice on cooking a Turkey crown 4.5lb (2Kg)

Now bear in mind every Newspaper and cookery programme are terrified of being sued if anyone gets food poisoning
What are the "real" succulent cooking times

I used to follow the instructions on the bag 20 mins per pound plus 20 minutes, ended up with a dry old bird

A cook friend last year advised me of the national press terrified of being sued
cooks at16 mins a pound plus 15 at 170c in a fan oven 180c in normal oven
I tried it and it was delicious, tender and moist NO ONE was ill

Anyone confirm that is how they do it against Government advice

Jack McH

 

I've not cooked a turkey crown Jack, sorry.

I gave my Delia recipe book to my son-in-law, I don't like her ideas and recipes. Each to their own Loofah!

 

We alway rap the bird in foil and cooked in a raburn which is a slow cook (raburns cook differantly to a elec oven) we don't use cooking times

 

We have a thing that you stick in the top and when it pops up its done.

It as a plastic one that came in the turkery crown last year. This time the turkey crown has come with a metal one.

I really dislike roasted turkey and last years was amazing it was really juicy and cooked perfectly. So prob a tad late to find one now but i fully recommend that for future turkeys.

They look like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eddingtons-Pop-Timer-Turkey-Pack/dp/B002YG2CXQ

 

Its only 4.5 lbs. Stuffed or unstuffed? I would go about 4 hours. Cover with alum foil first half. When the leg wiggles your good.

 

A few people I know soak the turkey in brine and spices for a couple of days before they roast it, and then cook it for a shorter time.

I only learned of this strategy recently, and I'm not cooking this time (we have a rotation system between me and my sister and sometimes my dad, and its my sister's turn this time) but next time it's my turn I'm going to try it. The lads I know that use this trick say they learned it from Nigella, and the results are delicious.

 

ok, I am now in front of my handy dandy McCalls cookbook which gives me listing of roasting timetables for all meats. And of which I go to as my Bible. and it reads.
Roasting Turkey, lowest weight they give is 6 to 8 lbs. in a 325 degree oven it is 3 to 3 1/2 lbs. it also says "unstuffed'. So with stuffed I would go to the 4 hours. However, yours is of less weight. So you can back it down to the 3 hours and probably be good. and you know to always put cold stuffing in the bird to start not hot. when I do up a bird, the night before I am simmering the onion and celery in a pan till soft, then putting it in the fridge, so the next day, I just add all the other stuff to it, and put it in the bird. Of course there is always the arguement, stuffing in the bird or not (to each its own). I always cover the bird for half the time with foil and then the second half is spent basting it every 20 mins or so till done, and yes the wiggling of the thigh leg is always an indicator. My basting stock is made usually days before with turkey necks and gizzards, and some herbs, simmered to death then drained and raised fat. When I answered earlier it was 3am. Anyway, I have eaten the brinned turkey, do not like the texture it does to the meat, so not for me. Been roasting turkeys for the last 45 years, so I think I got it down pat.

 

BTW, really don't use the term Turkey Crown. so not sure do you mean the whole turkey?

 

Turkey Crown is turkey with legs and wings removed so you just have a dome of breast
Thank you Redstar, and all above who contributed
It is in the oven now :-)

Merry Crimbo all

Jack McH

 

ok, we just call it, "Turkey Breast". And when I get one of those, it usually does not sit up well, will tilt to one side or the other. I have a stainless steal long sishka bob spear, that comes in handy, I spear all the way through and then the ends lay level on the sides of the roasting pan keeping the turkey up right. so you don't have a leg to wiggle.

 

It still has the bone cavity in so sits fine

It is cooked and sliced up now, tastes good, layed with juices in a tray wrapped and chilled as per fat controllers advice
Eaten a few slices from various parts, and instructed Wife, If I am ill in the morning DO NOT EAT THE TURKEY :-)

Merry Crimbo

Jack McH

 

Red Star I cunningly avoided the wiggling leg bit :-)

 

figured you were, good for you, LOL.