Turkey Time: Extension Service Offers Thawing Tips
November 23, 2010
It’’s Thanksgiving, time for family and friends to gather and give thanks. And time for cooks to ponder the correct way to prepare their turkey.
Today, we are taking a look how to make sure your turkey is properly thawed with tips from Dorthy Lee, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the Escambia County Extension Office. Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at the proper way to cook your turkey.
Following four simple food-handling practices—clean, separate, cook, chill—will ensure a delicious and safe meal.
Frozen turkeys should be thawed—at a safe temperature— prior to cooking. There are three safe ways to thaw a turkey — in the refrigerator at 40°F or less; in cold water; and in the microwave.
Frozen Turkeys
Allow 1 pound of turkey per person.
Keep frozen until you’re ready to thaw it.
Turkeys kept frozen in the freezer should be cooked within one year for best quality.
Thawing Your Turkey
In the Refrigerator (40°F or below)
Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may leak. A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. If necessary, a turkey that has been properly thawed in the refrigerator may be refrozen. When thawing in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey.
4 to 12 pounds = 1 to 3 days
12 to 16 pounds = 3 to 4 days
16 to 20 pounds = 4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pounds = 5 to 6 days
In Cold Water
When thawing in cold water, allow 30 minutes per pound and change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Wrap your turkey securely, making sure the water is not able to leak through the wrapping. Submerge your wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed. Do not refreeze. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound.
4 to 12 pounds = 2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds = 6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds = 8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds = 10 to 12 hours
In the Microwave
When thawing in the microwave, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and plan to cook the turkey immediately after thawing because some areas of the turkey may become warm and begin to cook during microwave thawing.
For more information, call the Escambia County Extension office, (850) 475-5230.
Students Of The Month Named
November 22, 2010
Escambia County Students of the Month for November have been named by the Escambia Association for Administrators in Education. The awards are presented monthly to two students from participating schools.
The following students were named from North Escambia area schools:
- Bratt: Rachel G. Franklin, kindergarten; Meggan L. Brown, fourth grade
- Jim Allen: Thierry K. Robinson, third grade; Christopher J. Page, third grade
- Molino Park: Bradley W. Bridges, fifth grade; Bailey J. Baldwin, fifth grade
- Ransom: Taylor A. Ertel, eighth grade; Eric E. Esselburn, seventh grade
- Northview Zachary S. Johnson, 10th grade; Courtney Y. Solari, ninth grade.
- Tate: Kelly H. Ewing, 12th grade; James L. Sherrill, 12th grade.
Pictured top: Courtney Solari and Zachary Johnson, Northview High School’s Students of the Month for November. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Art At The Farm
November 22, 2010
People from across the area had the opportunity to enjoy Art at the Farm this weekend in Walnut Hill. The annual event featured art, crafts, food and plenty of family friendly fun.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above and below: Art at the Farm was held this weekend in Walnut Hill. Photos by Seales Photography for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Twice Baked Gruyere And Potato Souffle
November 21, 2010
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is a Twice-Baked Gruyere and Potato Souffle that’s easy to make but impressively delicious.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Photos: Poarch Creek Indian Pow Wow Club Performs
November 19, 2010
The Poarch Creek Indians’ Pow Wow Club performed Thursday at the Century Branch Library and Century Care Center.
Several dozen children enjoyed the performance at the library. For a complete photo gallery, click here.
The Century Branch Library and the other libraries in the West Florida Public Library system will be closed November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Mark Your Calendar: Plans Underway For Molino Christmas Parade
November 18, 2010
Plans are being made now for the 8th Annual Molino Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 4.
The parade begins at 1 p.m. and will travel from the west end of Crabtree Church Road to the Molino Ballpark, where there will be a bake sale and Santa will visit with the children.
Entries are being accepted now for the parade; pre-register at Fran’s Diner, or register the day of the parade. Parade line-up will be at 12:15. Entry fees are $15 for floats or vehicles, and motorcycles, golf carts and horses are $5 each. Go karts and 4-wheelers are not allowed.
For more information, contact Jayson Ging at (850) 587-2825, Fran’s Diner at (850) 587-2803 or Darrell Wilson at (850) 516-6652.
All proceeds from the parade benefit Molino area children in need during the Christmas season. Donations of toys and non-perishable food items are also being accepted at Fran’s Diner.
In the event of rain, the parade will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 5 at 2 p.m.
Jr. Miss, Miss Jay Named
November 18, 2010
The Jr. Miss Jay and Miss Jay were named recently in an event sponsored by the Jay High School FCCLA to support chapter projects and attend a February educational program.
Pictured above are the Jr. Miss Jay winners (L-R) Morgan Nelson, 3rd; Savannah Dubose, 1st; Launa Burkhead, Queen; and Danielle Harrington, 2nd.
Pictured below are the Miss Jay winners (L-R) Morgan Lewis, 1st; Leely Trevino, Queen; and Crystal Brown, 2nd.
Submitted photos from Junia Fischer, Photo by Fischer, for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ashton Gibbs Wins Northview Fall Talent Show
November 17, 2010
Sophomore Ashton Gibbs won the Northview High School Fall Talent Show Tuesday night with her performance of “Angel” by Sarah McLaughlin. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Miss Jay Beauties Named
November 16, 2010
Miss Jay Elementary, Little Miss Jay and Tiny Miss Jay were named recently. The event was sponsored by the Jay High School FCCLA to support chapter projects and attend a February educational program.
There were three divisions — Tiny Miss for K to first grade, Little Miss for second to fourth grade, and Miss Jay Elementary for fifth and sixth grade.
Winners and their photos are below.
Miss Jay Elementary: (L-R) Meghan Mayo, 3rd runner-up; Haley Holland, 2nd runner-up; Morgan Floyd, Queen; Hope Miller, 1st runner-up and Lauren Gavin, Miss Cooperative.
Little Miss Jay: (L-R) Carly Willis, Miss Cooperative; Mallory Floyd, 1st runner-up; Jillian Thornton, Queen; Carsyn Seib, 2nd runner-up; and Sierra Hutto, 3rd runner-up.
Tiny Miss Jay: (L-R) Carlyn Watson, 1st runner-up; Kinsley Cook, 2nd runner-up; Emma Barrow, Queen and Miss Cooperative; and Bailey Scott, 3rd runner up.
Photos courtesy Junia Fischer, Photo by Fischer for NorthEscambia,com, click to enlarge.
Team Depot Volunteers For Century Care Center
November 15, 2010
Home Depot’s Team Depot recently donated their time and money to build an outdoor potting bench for the residents at Century Care Center. The bench is custom built for use by Century Care residents in wheelchairs. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
