How-To

All About Turkey

  1. How-To

Turkey For Any Occasion

Cooking a turkey dinner for the holidays or a special occasion can be overwhelming, especially if you have not done it before. If you have questions – we have answers! Take the stress out by following our helpful tips and guidelines on cooking a turkey safely to make your special dinner a success.

From buying a turkey to cooking the gravy, we have a guide for every step of the way:

  • How to Buy and Store a Turkey

    Do you know how to choose the right turkey for your dinner? Read on for tips on choosing and storing a turkey. 
  • How to Handle Turkey Safely

    Avoid foodborne illness by following these important safety tips from thawing your turkey to storing the leftovers.
  • How to Roast a Turkey

    Follow these cooking temperatures and times for a perfect, juicy turkey.
  • How to Make Turkey Stuffing

    Turkey is great, but stuffing is even better! Learn how to make delicious, safe stuffing to go along with your turkey.
  • How to Tell if Turkey is Cooked

    The only thing worse than an over-cooked, dry turkey, is one that is raw and unsafe! Learn how to tell if your turkey is cooked properly.
  • How to Make Turkey Gravey

    Finish off your perfect turkey with delicious gravy!

Recipes:

Looking for something a little different than the ordinary roasted turkey? Check out these recipe ideas.

Difficult
Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast

If you’re craving turkey but don’t want to roast an entire bird, cooking up turkey breast or two is an ideal alternative. Brine your turkey breasts in a cranberry juice solution before roasting them, finishing with a sweet bourbon glaze.

View Recipe
Difficult
Mushroom and Pancetta Stuffed Turkey Breast

This elegant turkey dish is a great option for a holiday meal when you’re feeding a relatively small group. Start by brining the meat, then cut a pocket in the turkey breast and stuff it with a mixture of pancetta, mushrooms and herbs. We finish it off with a rich port sauce.

View Recipe
Difficult
Apple Brined Turkey

Soaking your turkey in a salt solution (a.k.a. “brining") before roasting can make the meat moister and flavourful. This recipe adds apple juice, sugar and spices to the mix for a juicy and delicious bird. If you’ve never brined before, give it a try — you may be surprised by the results.

View Recipe
Medium
Whole Turkey with Sage Garlic Butter

The sage garlic butter gives you a moist and flavourful turkey, perfect for entertaining during the festive season.

View Recipe
Difficult
Turkey with Rosemary Port Gravy

Beer and a port honey glaze gives you a moist and flavourful turkey. Paired with a Rosemary Port Gravy your guests will be begging for the recipe!

View Recipe
Medium
Brie, Sage and Prosciutto-Stuffed Turkey Breast

Done on the barbecue, this tasty turkey breast is stuffed with brie, fresh sage and salty prosciutto making for a very juicy main dish. Try this new take on turkey at your next gathering. 

View Recipe

Turkey for All Seasons

Need a printable version? Download our All About Turkey PDF here:

Download Now

Book your group cooking class

Our private group, youth, and team-building cooking classes in Calgary are the perfect way to cook, laugh, and learn together. Led by Red Seal Chefs, our cooking classes welcome all ages and skill levels.

Book now