Avoid a Turkey Cooking Disaster! We cook our turkey in a tabletop roaster, but I know others will be deep-frying their gobbler. Deep-frying a turkey is gaining popularity and can produce a fantastic tasting, juicy bird. Each year, firefighters respond to about 1,000 fires as a result of deep-frying food. Many of these fires result in burn injuries.
Here are a few fire safety tips for cooking a turkey.
- Don’t ever deep-fry a turkey indoors, including under patio covers and inside garages.
- Avoid cooking on wooden decks.
- Make sure the turkey is completely thawed so oil and water do not mix.
- Monitor oil levels to avoid spilling over onto burners.
- Make sure your vessel is large enough to fit the oil and the turkey.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Watch what you are doing and don’t leave the area when you are cooking.
- Protect yourself with oven mitts, snug-fitting long sleeves, and safety glasses.
- Experts recommend a turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees @ the thickest part of the breast.
However you decide to prepare your turkey; please be safe, enjoy your time with family and your Thanksgiving!
Be Fire Safe!
Scott Carriveau