This weekend will be one of the busiest shopping days of the year in area grocery stores, as we shop for all the Thanksgiving fixings we'll need for the holiday. I can see the sparks flying now on those shopping cart wheels. Here's a question I never seem to know the answer to: "What size turkey should you buy?" Just do the "Turkey Math."

Before you buy that Thanksgiving turkey this weekend, here's a little help from finecooking.com:

"How to match the size of your Thanksgiving turkey to the size of your crowd.

from "Fine Cooking" Issue 47

Smaller birds fit in the refrigerator better and are easier to handle. If you're hosting a big crowd and have two ovens, consider roasting two smaller birds instead of a large one (this also gives you a good excuse to try two kinds of stuffing). Some cooks look forward to turkey leftovers as weekend fare; others prefer to serve just enough to feed the guests at the feast.

Turkey math

For birds under 16 pounds, figure at least 1 pound of turkey per person. For birds 16 pounds and heavier, figure a bit less since there's more meat in proportion to bone. If you want substantial seconds and leftovers, allow another 1/2 pound per person.

turkey weight     average servings     ample servings with leftovers

14 lbs.                         14                                    9

16 lbs.                         16                                    10

18 lbs.                          20                                   12

20 lbs.                         22                                   14

24 lbs.                         26                                   17"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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