How to carve a whole Turkey

HOW TO CARVE A WHOLE TURKEY:

* Let it Sit
Once the bird is removed from the oven, it should stand for 20
to 35 minutes, depending on its size. This gives the juices a
chance to soak into the flesh, allowing for succulent cuts of
meat. Before you begin carving, have a warm serving platter
ready and waiting for all the juicy white and dark meat you'll
soon be slicing and digging into.

* Remove the Legs
Arrange the turkey, breast side up, on a cutting board. Steady
the turkey with a carving fork. Using a sharp knife, slice
through the meat between the breast and the leg. Next, using
a large knife as an aid, press the thigh outward to find the
hip joint. Slice down through the joint and remove the leg.
Cut between the thigh bone and drumstick bone to divide the
leg into one thigh piece and one drumstick.

To carve the drumstick, steady it with a carving fork and cut
a thick slice of meat from one side, along the bone. Next, turn
the drumstick over so that the cut side faces down. Cut off
another thick slice of meat. Repeat, turning the drumstick onto
a flat side and cutting off meat, carving a total of four thick
slices.

To slice the thigh, place it flat side down on a cutting board.
Steady the thigh with a carving fork. With a knife, cut parallel
to the bone and slice off the meat. Be sure to place all the
cuts on the warmed serving platter as you work.

* Remove the Wings
Before you carve the breast, the wings must be removed. Slice
diagonally down through the edge of the breast toward the wing.
Using a knife as an aid, press the wing out to find the shoulder
joint; cut through the joint and remove the wing. Place the wing
on the serving platter as is.

* Carve the Breast
To carve the breast meat, hold the back of the carving fork
against the breastbone. Starting parallel to the breastbone,
slice diagonally through the meat. Lift off each slice, holding
it between the knife and fork, and place on the warm serving
platter. Continue until you have carved all the meat on one side
of the breast. Repeat, carving the other side of breast.

Now just enjoy your feast!
from ezine@gophercentral.com