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Your Foolproof Guide To Mastering The Perfect Turkey Cook Time
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas, knowing how long to cook a turkey is crucial for putting on a delicious holiday feast. In the traditional Thanksgiving or holiday dinner spread, a turkey acts as the centerpiece and often the dish that all the other dishes complement.
When it comes to cooking the perfect mouthwatering bird, the size of your turkey plays a big role in determining how long it should be in the oven. Think of this as your cheat sheet for how long to cook a turkey. So, grab your apron, and let's break down the ideal cooking time for the perfect turkey for your holiday meal!
How Long To Cook Turkey
First things first, defrost your turkey.
And how long do you defrost a turkey? Well, standard practice is to defrost a turkey for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. So, a turkey that is 4 pounds would be defrosted for 24 hours; a turkey that is 8 pounds would be defrosted for 48 hours, and so on and so forth. A 12-16 pound turkey can take 3-4 days to thaw in the fridge.
The safest way is to defrost your turkey in the fridge. Place your bird in a large tray or on a plate to catch any drips, and keep it covered to prevent any cross-contamination.
If you're short on time, you can use the cold water method to unthaw your turkey safely. Submerge the turkey in a large container with cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes, and allow 30 minutes of thawing for every pound of turkey.
Cooking the Perfect Turkey
Cooking a turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit is a great choice for a delicious and evenly cooked bird. As a rough guideline, you can estimate about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey.
However, it's super important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey (typically the thigh) should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep reading to learn more about ideal cook times for different pounds. The oven temperatures are based on Fahrenheit.
How long to cook an 8 pound turkey in the oven?
Cook a turkey that is 8 pounds for 2¾ to 3 hours at 325 degrees.
How long to cook a 10 pound turkey?
For a turkey that is 10 pounds, you can cook it in the oven for 2¾ to 3 hours at 325 degrees.
How long to cook a 13 pound turkey?
Cook a 13-pound turkey for 2¼ to 2½ hours in the oven at 425 degrees.
How long to cook a 15 pound turkey?
For a 15-pound turkey, cook it for 3 to 3¼ hours at 425 degrees.
How long to cook a 20 pound turkey?
For a turkey that is 20 pounds, cook it for 4 to 4½ hours at 325 degrees.
How long to cook a 22 pound turkey?
The cook time for a 22-pound turkey is around 4¼ to 4¾ hours at 350 degrees.
How long to cook a 24 pound turkey in the oven?
A 24-pound turkey can be cooked in around 5 to 5¼ hours at 350 degrees.
Let the Turkey Rest
Also, don't forget to allow your turkey to rest for about 15-20 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicy, tender turkey.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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