Thanksgiving Turkey How-To

I think a college roommate's boyfriend taught me this. My family and friends have always been pleased with this turkey.

For a large Cornish hen/small fryer, use a hand towel. For a regular-sized turkey, use a bath towel. Best effect obtained with a flesh-colored one.


Roll each end towards the middle.

Fold it in half with the "cleft" made from rolling it on the OUTSIDE.

Orientation is crucial here. Note the location of the "cleft" and the "septum" on the inside running top to bottom.

Tease out the corners from the inside of each of the four "jelly rolls." Be sure to keep it rolled tightly.

Keeping the orientation correct, pull the upper left and right towel corners in one direction, and the lower corners in the opposite direction. You may encounter some resistance from the terry material; keep pulling.

Secure the drumsticks and wings with safety pins.