Don't know how to cook the turkey? Then phone a friend!

• Friday, 10 November 2006

November 2006

Don’t know how to cook the turkey? Then phone a friend !

Have you heard the one about the family who fancied boiled turkey eggs for Christmas Day breakfast? Or the guy who had to delay his Christmas dinner for 2 days while the turkey thawed?

Well, the British Turkey hotline has! This SOS phone number for Christmas crises is manned until 5pm on Christmas Eve – and as the countdown to Christmas gets closer, the callers get desperate…Which end is which? …It won’t fit in the oven … How can I stop the gravy spilling in the car?….How do I speed up the cooking to stop everyone getting drunk before dinner?…

These are some of the most frequently asked questions – and the answers – which may help you this Christmas.

Q: How do I cook a turkey crown?
A: Exactly the same way as a whole turkey

Q: Can I stuff both ends?
A: Only stuff the neck cavity. For extra flavour pop a wedge of onion or lemon and herbs in the body cavity.

Q: How can I be sure that I am buying the best quality turkey available?
A: Choose products labelled with the Quality British Turkey mark - turkey meat reared on British farms backed with the best assurance of quality.

Q: How many people will my turkey feed?
A: A 4.5kg (10lb ) turkey will feed 10-12 people. A 6.5kg (14lb) will give 16-18 portions.

Q: How can I tell it’s cooked?
A: Pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer. If the juices run clear the turkey is cooked. If they look pink, return to the oven .

Q: Why can’t I have turkey eggs for breakfast on Christmas morning?
A: Turkey eggs are not available on a commercial scale simply because there is very little demand. They are also expensive to mass-produce as turkey hens lay only 4-5 eggs over 24 weeks. You may find them being sold at farm gates.

And some of the more worrying calls….

Q: Can I cook my turkey until it’s half done, then finish cooking it at my mother in laws?
A: No. Invite her to yours or take the turkey round and cook it there.
Q: I want to cook my turkey at home and then drive to Norwich to eat it at my daughter’s. What’s the best way to keep it warm? Hotline: How far from Norwich do you live? Caller – about 4 hours drive.
A: No way!

Q: Help – my turkey’s too big for the oven. What shall I do?
A: Cut the legs off and treat it as a crown roast. Cook the legs separately (if you are feeling fancy, try boning them, stuff with sausage meat, wrap in bacon then foil and roast in a medium oven).

Q: (Harrassed guy phoning at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve): What time should I get my 25lb turkey out of the freezer? A: (Putting on a very cheerful voice): Why don’t you go to friends for Christmas Day lunch and invite them back to yours for turkey and all the trimmings on Boxing Day.

Q: Can you tell me how to cook my Christmas chicken.
A: No!

And if you’ve still got a question, call 0800 783 9994 – it could be the best present you give yourself this Christmas!

-Ends-

For further information contact Jane Saward/Emma Turner at Field McNally Leathes,
8 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9TY tel 01273 834716 fax 01273 834306 email jane@fml-pr.co.uk

This press release was distributed via Response Source, a service from Daryl Willcox Publishing, on behalf of FML Public Relations. For more information visit http://www.dwpub.com/pressreleasewires