AROUND ACADIANA — With health officials urging Americans to stay home for Thanksgiving, there's a lot of new cooks looking to make their first turkey.
Food experts have some advice to make your first experience go a little smoother, and keep it healthy.
First, they say to give your bird time to defrost in the fridge. Not on the counter. This could cause bacteria to grow.
It takes about a day of thawing for each 4 to 5 pounds.
After that, resist the urge to rinse the turkey. This can also spread bacteria.
Consider buying a meat thermometer. Experts say the ones that come with the turkey aren't always effective.
Cook until the turkey is 165 degrees at it's thickest part, and then it's time to serve.