I’m a home pro – my tips will ensure your Christmas turkey tastes better than ever – and what temperature to cook it at
IF you’ve been tasked with cooking Christmas dinner this year, follow these steps to ensure your turkey doesn’t dry out.
A home expert revealed her go-to tips for perfecting your festive feast.
In her viral video, TikTok user Babs (@brunchwithbabs) showed her followers the best way to prep their turkeys this holiday season.
For her first hack, she recommended avoiding larger turkeys that weigh around 14 kilograms.
Instead, the expert advised her audience to pick up two smaller of around seven kiligrams each if they have a larger group to feed.
She explained that small birds will cook quicker, are “easier to handle” with more tender meat.
Babs also told her followers to never wait until Christmas Eve to defrost their turkeys.
She demonstrated by taking her turkey out of her freezer to show her audience.
“This bird is like a big ice cube, the rule of thumb, one day in the fridge for every two kilograms of turkey,” she said.
Babs also explained why you should always avoid washing your turkey.
She revealed that the step actually spreads bacteria “all over your sink and counter.”
The expert also shared her tips when it comes to setting the temperature of your oven.
“Never roast your turkey at the same temperature the whole time, start high and then add low,” she advised.
She also recommended considering alternative cook methods rather than the traditional way.
Babs pointed out that spatchcocking your turkey will cook it in half the time, leaving you with a “juicier inside” and a “crispier outside.”
Finally, she suggested leaving your turkey to “rest” for at least 40 minutes after taking it out of the oven before you carve it.
As a bonus tip, she pointed out that you can use your turkey carcass to make turkey soup.
How to look after your real Christmas tree
HERE'S what you need to know if you're buying a real Christmas tree:
First thing’s first: buy a pot (if it doesn’t come in one already).
You’ll need to treat your tree just like a houseplant and give it water and attention.
Make sure the container has good drainage – and it’s a good idea to put something underneath to catch the excess water.
Check the soil everyday to make sure it’s not drying out.
If it feels dry, give it some water. If it still feels moist, leave it alone as too much water can also kill a tree.
Also check the LED bulbs on your tree lights aren’t too hot as they could burn it, and keep your tree away from radiators.
When Christmas is over, try planting it in the garden so you can dig it up and use it again next year.
It’s a good idea to take it out of its pot when you do re-plant it though, as large trees don’t survive well in pots as their roots need space to grow.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on the advice in the comments section.
“Babe, I’m a chef and you are completely spot on!!!” wrote one impressed viewer.
“Love a spatchcock turkey. The first time I did it, the turkey was done in 45 minutes!” said another follower.
“Turkey soup the next day is so good. The broth is some of the richest I’ve ever had,” commented a third person.
“Word. I host every year but the biggest turkey I’ll buy is eight kilograms, the bigger the dryer,” wrote another TikTok user.