UMaine Extension offers recipes and food safety tips for Thanksgiving

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has several resources to help prepare a safe and healthy Thanksgiving meal.

Before buying that turkey, UMaine Extension associate professor and registered dietitian Kate Yerxa suggests “planning for one to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. This will provide enough for the meal and leftovers for turkey sandwiches or a favorite turkey recipe.”

“How to safely thaw the turkey is a common question,” says UMaine Extension professor Kathy Savoie. “The length of time it will take to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator depends on its size. Plan on 24 hours per five pounds of frozen turkey.”

Turkey should be cooked to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Farenheit to kill harmful bacteria. Using a food thermometer, the temperature should be measured in the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator at 40 degrees or colder, within two hours of being cooked. Leftovers should be frozen or used within four days; gravy should be used within two days.

UMaine Extension has simple healthy recipes that use local Maine produce and “Mainely Dish” recipe videos demonstrate a variety of recipes. Extension publications for a healthy Thanksgiving, including “Helpful Hints for Handling Turkeys for Thanksgiving” also are featured.

The USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline is available 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or from live chat at ask.usda.gov.

For more information, contact 207-591-3188 or extension@maine.edu.