how do you defrost a turkey?

[lovegem]

This may sound like a silly question to some of you, but really, how do you defrost a turkey properly? how long does it take to defrost a 22 lb turkey? We received a free turkey from the grocery store that we shop online. The turkey is 22 lbs and totally frozen. We don''t plan to hold a thanks giving dinner b/c it is only me and DH in this city. We want to defrost this turkey then make it into smaller pieces to make turkey soups (lots of soups of course).

 

[Diamond*Dana]

The way I have done it in the past is to put it in the fridge and let it thaw that way. It usually takes about 3-4 days.
This website may help you:
http://www.masterstech-home.com/the_kitchen/Articles/TurkeyTalk.html

 

[neatfreak]

3-4 hours per pound to thaw in the fridge at least (which is the proper way). So for a 22 lb bird I'd allow about 4 days.

 

[lovegem]

Thanks ladies.

 

[FrekeChild]

The best, fastest(ish) and safest way to defrost anything is under cold running water. However, because that''s pretty wasteful, the second best is to use time and a refrigerator, because it''s the least wasteful, but most time consuming. I don''t recommend using a microwave because it doesn''t defrost evenly, and can damage the meat very very easily, but that''s another method.

I say best to mean that:
a. you don''t damage the meat
b. has the least hospitable environment for bacteria and other germies and
c. quick

 

[that_someone_special]

Ohh so glad I don''t have to cook turkeys anytime soon for thanksgiving. My grandmother did it for years, now it''s my moms turn for oh, the next 30 or so years??

GOOD LUCK! And if something goes wrong, remember there is nothing you can really do about it at that point, so just laugh and have fun-- don''t stress yourself out or your bound to miss out on a great holiday with delicious food.