It’s that time of year again! The time where families all across America come together to celebrate the holidays. And what would Thanksgiving and Christmas be without a delicious turkey as the centerpiece of the meal? But before you can sit down and enjoy that juicy bird, you need to make sure it’s properly prepared for transport. Here are a few tips to make sure your turkey arrives at its destination in peak condition!
Cooking the Turkey
Make sure your turkey is fully cooked before beginning to prepare it for transport. No one wants to eat food that’s not been properly cooked, and you certainly don’t want to be responsible for making anyone sick! Once your turkey is cooked, allow it to cool, but not for too long.
Don't Let Your Turkey Sit Out to Long
After you’ve spent hours roasting the perfect turkey, it can be tempting to let it sit out and enjoy the delicious aroma for a while before carving. However, it’s important to remember that cooked turkey can quickly become unsafe to eat if it isn’t kept at the proper temperature. According to the USDA, cooked turkey should never be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. After that, bacteria can start to grow and multiply, leading to food poisoning. So, resist the temptation to let your turkey linger.
Wrap the Turkey in Foil or Plastic Wrap
Wrapping the turkey prevents it from drying out, and it also keeps the juices locked in, so the turkey is just as delicious when I finally sit down to eat it. You can wrap it in several layers of foil, plastic wrap, or parchment paper. Make sure to let the turkey cool slightly before wrapping or transporting it.
Transporting Holiday Side Dishes
If you’re transporting side dishes along with the turkey, be sure to pack them in separate containers from the bird. This will prevent any cross-contamination from occurring. And speaking of cross-contamination, be sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly after packing up the food.
Pack the Turkey in an Insulated Container
Transporting a cooked turkey can be a bit of a daunting task. You want to make sure that the turkey is properly secured so that it doesn’t fall out and create a mess in your car. You also want to ensure that the turkey stays warm enough to eat when you arrive at your destination. The best way to transport a cooked turkey is to place it in an insulated container within a cooler. Once you’ve secured the turkey in the cooler, transporting it should be a breeze!
Transporting the Turkey
One of the most important things to consider when transporting a turkey is to make sure the vehicle has a smooth ride. Avoid jostling the turkey too much during transport and limit stops on your journey. The turkey should be snug in its container so hat it doesn’t move around too much.
Transporting a cooked turkey can be tricky, but if you follow these simple tips, your bird will make it to the dinner table safe and sound. If all of this sounds like too much work, why not let us take care of everything? Our team at Lee n’ Eddies is here to help with all your Thanksgiving Catering needs – from planning the menu to setting up and cleaning up afterwards. Contact us today for more information!
