How to Cook a Turkey for 8 People

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Turkey: 5-6 pounds (about 2.3-2.7 kg)
2. Carrots: 200 grams (about 1 cup)
3. Celery: 200 grams (about 1 cup)
4. Onion: 1 large or 2 small, about 300 grams (1 head)
5. Garlic: 5-6 cloves
6. Herb seasoning mix (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano) to taste
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. Cooking oil or butter for basting
9. Breadcrumbs or cornbread dressing mix (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 2 hours (including preparation of ingredients and setting up the oven)
• Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (depending on the weight of the turkey)

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and cutting them into large pieces.
3. Rub the turkey with salt, pepper, and herb seasoning mix.
4. Place the prepared vegetables inside the turkey cavity.
5. Truss the turkey legs together (optional but helps keep the bird's shape).
6. Place the turkey on a rack in a roast pan and baste with cooking oil or butter.
7. Place in the preheated oven and cook for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Baste the turkey periodically during cooking with its juices or additional butter/oil.
9. If desired, add a breadcrumb or cornbread dressing on top of the turkey during the last hour of cooking.
10. Let the turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 servings total)

• Calories: Depending on the amount of oil/butter used, the calorie count will vary. An estimated range would be around 500-700 calories per serving.
• Protein: About 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: Depending on cooking method and amount of oil/butter, may contain up to 30 grams of fat per serving.
• Carbohydrates: From the breadcrumbs or cornbread dressing, if used.

Dish Characteristics:

• Traditional American dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or other special occasions.
• The flavor is rich and hearty, with a combination of savory herbs and the natural juices of the bird.
• The texture of the meat is tender and juicy when cooked properly.

User Comments:

1. "The turkey was delicious! The skin was crispy and the meat was juicy."
2. "I added some additional herbs and seasoning mix to give it a unique flavor; it was excellent."
3. "My family loved it! It was a hit at our Thanksgiving dinner."
4. "Cooked it for my first time; it was quite easy to follow the instructions and everyone loved it."
5. "I used a different type of breadcrumb dressing mix; it added a nice touch to the dish."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked properly.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, adding more salt, pepper, or herb seasoning mix if desired.
• If using a different type of breadcrumb or cornbread dressing mix, follow the instructions on the package for best results.
• Avoid opening the oven frequently during cooking to prevent heat loss and ensure even cooking.