What needs to be known?

This will be the first year that we will deep fry our turkey. There really isn't many people who doesn't anymore, especially in the state of Oklahoma. But after the commercial for All State insurance, "45% of all turkey cookers last year deep fried their turkey, 15 of that burned down their house", I decided to do a little research on what to do, and what not to do when deep frying a turkey.

I collected the better rules that I thought would be better than making a full list of what not's, and then get mad when I know nobody reads it. (Then again, I don't know if anybody reads these any way.)

So here is my collected what not's to frying a turkey.

First of all make sure the turkey is completely thawed. Do NOT insert a frozen or partially frozen turkey into the hot oil.

Do NOT drop the turkey into oil, slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil.

Cooking must be monitored at ALL times. Always watch the thermometer, do not let it exceed 350 degrees F.

Always test thermometer prior to cooking, making sure a new on is not needed.

Do NOT use lid for frying. Lid is to be used only when doing other things with pot; such as boiling soups, stews, gumbos, or steaming vegetables and seafood.

Do NOT touch fryer, as it will be very hot. Make sure kids and pets do not play around cooker during and/or after in use.

Allow no less than two hours for oil to cool down before handling, and cleaning.

Do NOT leave the grab hook in pot after the turkey is completely in oil.

The temperature will lower as you insert the poultry. Slowly increase the temperature back up between 325-350 degrees F. This may take several minutes.

Unless using an electric fryer, always use outdoors. Never use a propane fryer indoors.

BASIC INSTRUCTIONS:

When deep frying a turkey, cook it at 3 1/2 minutes per pounds at 350 degrees F. If wanting a crispier skin, allow an extra five minutes to your frying time.

For better results use a bird weighing 16 pounds or less. I am told if you fry a bigger turkey you'll end up with turkey jerky instead of wings and legs. ((I'll let you know later on if that's true, my brother is going to deep fry a 20 pound bird.))

*Special little note from writer to readers.*

I hope everybody has a great Thanksgiving. If you're out on the road please be careful and no wrecking. Have lots of Turkey, and great stuffing. And I'll see you after I wake from my food coma.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Love until later.