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The absolute BEST turkey I've ever had, hands-down, no questions about it, was a free-range turkey purchased from a small privately-owned farm. You wouldn't think such a thing would make a difference in the flavor, but oh my goodness, it definitely did. That turkey was *so* flavorful and juicy, I'm droolin all over my keyboard here!! LOL Thanks for the tips! and all the hostess did was bake it, basically - no stuffing inside it, no heavy herbs, nothing fancy.

I don't really have any tips otherwise... I always just bake my turkeys, never stuffed, and they come out really good. I'm just excited for ya! I love Thanksgiving, but I like playing hostess even more! Oh gosh...me too!!

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Be sure to read the label on the Butterball...know it has milk as one of its ingredients. Even though its called "butterball" not sure it has butter - but does have soy.... THANKS!! I don't know what brand I will get yet....some years my Boss has given me a turkey but I'm not sure he will, so I will order fresh and then Mom can put the one from my boss if I get one, in her freezer. I just knew that they had a good website. But thanks for the warning!

My first Thanksgiving I hosted - everyone was scared to come. It turned out great! I suprised them all! I wanna do the same.... Shane is already hidding under the table in fear of my stress level... hehehe Good Luck! Thanks! Anne

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My mom taught me to stuff the cavity of the bird with stuffing, and then do something extra. We make a pocket between the skin and the meat of the bird. You don't want to remove the skin, just shove your hand way in and make a pocket as far back as you can. When you get it nice and roomy, fill it with stuffing. Do this all over, wherever you can get between the skin and the meat. Interesting.... I'll have to tall my Mom about that. We season all over the outside of the bird, put apples and veggies and stuff all around, pretty typical, See Mom has never done that....she stuffs the bird but that is all...and uses butter on the outside. and we put several strips of bacon (bad, i know) across the top of the bird, and hold them in place with toothpicks. My girlfriend does that... So yummy.
Hope this helps. It does...thanks! Enjoy.
Panda

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I agree casey. If you can get a fresh, free range one they are superior. Most places that carry them request you put your order in early though... Can I do this at like a Safeway or do I need to go to the HFS?

And I also agree...no stuffing IN the bird. For years it has been known that is dangerous, but not many people listen, especially if that's the way they've done it for years. Yes, that is the only way I've ever seen.... and besides getting it all out before carving is always such a pain in the butt!!

I like to throw an apple/onion/celery in the cavity of mine for baking. Question: Do you cut the apple & onion up like in half or just throw it in there whole?

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