Safeway's Two-Hour Turkey

Our local Safeway (Genuardi's) has been advertising this recipe, and it seems worth trying. This recipe works for turkeys up to 24 lbs.

Safeway's Two-Hour Turkey
Safeway's Two-Hour Turkey

Our local Safeway (Genuardi's) has been advertising this recipe, and it seems worth trying. This recipe works for turkeys up to 24 lbs.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 8
  • Carbohydrate 0.010632890625 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 0.00053484375 g
  • Fiber 0.00434765625 g
  • Protein 0.001796484375 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.00016078125 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving(s) (0g)
  • Sodium 18.90174375 mg
  • Sugar 0.006285234375 g
  • Trans Fat 2.29687500000001E-05 g
  • Calories 0 calories

Step-by-step

  • Remove and discard the truss holding the turkey legs together.
  • Pull or trim off and discard any excess fat in the neck or body cavity.
  • Remove giblets and neck.
  • Rinse the turkey inside and out with warm water.
  • Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place the adjustable V-shaped rack in a 13 x 16 x 3-inch roasting pan (set rack sides so the bird is a minimum of 2 inches from the pan bottom).
  • Rub turkey skin generously all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Set bird breast-side-up on the rack.
  • Pull wings away from the body, then firmly twist them to push the wing tips under the bird.
  • Using aluminum foil, form caps over the tips of the end of each drumstick.
  • If any parts of the turkey extend beyond the pan rim, fashion a foil collar underneath to make sure drippings flow back into the pan.
  • Do not tie legs together, add stuffing, or close the body cavity.
  • Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer near the center of the breast through the thickest part until the tip touches the bone (this is the most accurate spot to check doneness).
  • Verify oven temperature and set the pan on the lowest rack in a 475-degree oven.
  • Roast according to time chart: 10-13 lb. 50 min to 1 1/4 hrs; 13-16 lb., 1 1/4 hrs to 1 hr 50 mins; 16-19 lb., 1 1/4 hrs to 2 hrs; 19-22 lb., 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs; 22-24 lb., 1 1/2 hrs to 2 1/2 hrs.
  • Continue to check as directed during cooking, until the thermometer reaches 160 degrees.
  • Halfway through roasting time, rotate the pan in the oven to assure even cooking and browning.
  • If areas on the turkey breast start to get browner than you like, lay a piece of foil over the dark areas.
  • Remove the pan from the oven, set in a warm spot, and loosely cover the pan with foil to keep it warm.
  • Rearrange oven racks to accommodate potatoes and dressing.
  • Decrease oven temperature to 400º.
  • Let the turkey rest 30 to 60 minutes (the resting period will allow the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees, the USDA safe cooking temperature for poultry).
  • Drain juices from the body cavity into the roasting pan.
  • Transfer the turkey to a platter or rimmed cutting board.
  • Set aside juices for gravy.
  • Cut off turkey legs at the thigh joint.
  • If the joint is red or pink, return legs to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes (at 300 degrees to 475 degrees) or heat in a microwave oven for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Carve the rest of the turkey.
  • Save juices to pour into gravy if desired.

Safeway's Two-Hour Turkey: A Thanksgiving Miracle?

Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures up images of family gatherings, overflowing tables laden with delicious food, and the centerpiece of it all: the turkey. For years, I've wrestled with this majestic bird, battling with timing, temperature, and the ever-present fear of a dry, disappointing centerpiece. This year, however, I stumbled upon a recipe that promised to revolutionize my Thanksgiving experience: Safeway's (or rather, Genuardi's, our local branch) Two-Hour Turkey.

Now, I'm not one for shortcuts, I'll admit. I've always believed in the tradition of a slow-roasted turkey, a process that somehow seemed to deepen the flavors and bind the family together in anticipation. But with a busy schedule, the idea of a two-hour turkey felt almost… liberating. Could this recipe really deliver on its promise? Could I actually enjoy Thanksgiving without spending the entire day hovering over a roasting pan?

The recipe itself was surprisingly straightforward. No elaborate brining, no complicated stuffing – just a simple rub of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and a high-heat roast. The instructions were clear and concise, leaving no room for ambiguity. I followed them to the letter, marveling at the speed with which the turkey cooked. It was almost uncanny. I kept checking the thermometer, half expecting disaster, but the bird cooked perfectly, the skin golden and crisp, the meat juicy and tender.

The most striking difference between this method and my previous Thanksgiving turkeys was the lack of stress. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen, I was actually able to enjoy the day with my family, participating in conversations, helping with other dishes, and even managing to relax for a bit. The two-hour roast time freed up a significant chunk of my day, allowing me to focus on what truly matters during the holidays: spending quality time with loved ones.

And the taste? Honestly, it was fantastic. While some traditionalists might argue that this quick-roasting method compromises flavor, I found it to be incredibly delicious. The meat was succulent and flavorful, the skin flawlessly crisp, and the overall experience far exceeded my expectations. I’ll readily admit I was skeptical at first. But the results spoke for themselves. Safeway’s Two-Hour Turkey not only saved me precious time but also delivered a remarkably delicious Thanksgiving centerpiece.

This recipe is more than just a time saver; it's a game-changer. It allows busy individuals, like myself, to enjoy the heart of Thanksgiving without sacrificing quality or flavor. So, for those who share my past struggles with the Thanksgiving turkey, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You might just find yourself with a stress-free holiday and a truly delicious bird.

Ingredients Used: The simple list of ingredients (pepper, kosher salt, olive oil, and a whole turkey) spoke to me. No fancy spices or hard-to-find ingredients were required – just the essentials, elevated by technique. This made preparation easy and accessible even for a busy person like myself. And I love that!

The Verdict: If this recipe is anything to go by, then I have a new approach to tackling my holiday meal. It delivers perfectly on its promise of speed, without sacrificing flavor or quality. This year, I will be happily making this again and spending less time in the kitchen, and more time with the people I love.

A final thought: While I’ve focused on my own experience, I can already imagine how this recipe will be a boon to busy moms, working professionals, and anyone looking to simplify their Thanksgiving traditions. It’s a recipe that embraces efficiency without compromising on deliciousness, a perfect blend of modern convenience and timeless tradition. Give it a go – you might just be surprised!