Traveling Turkey


 
I need to transport my turkey (2hr drive). Do I let my turkey rest/tented or should I wrap in foil immediately? Plan to wrap in foil and then wrap in a towel and then put in a cooler. Rest or wrap immediately?
 
Wrap it in foil followed by some towels and then place it in a insulated cooler right away, no resting, then hit the road. The towels and cooler should keep the turkey from cooling into the danger zone during transit. For turkey, the danger zone are temperatures between 40F and 140F.
 
Wrap it in foil followed by some towels and then place it in a insulated cooler right away, no resting, then hit the road. The towels and cooler should keep the turkey from cooling into the danger zone during transit. For turkey, the danger zone are temperatures between 40F and 140F.
Thanks for clarifying the need NOT to rest. Appreciate your response.
 
Wrap it in foil followed by some towels and then place it in an insulated cooler right away, no resting, then hit the road. The towels and cooler should keep the turkey from cooling into the danger zone during transit. For turkey, the danger zone are temperatures between 40F and 140F.
Just for clarification, 40-140 are not just for turkey! That’s food service parameters for anything. Hot foods hot, cold foods cold!
 
Thanks for clarifying the need NOT to rest. Appreciate your response.
Some other comments. Others have posted some good additional information, such as preheating the cooler if possible (thanks Bob B.). To that end, some pour some hot water into the cooler, let it set a few minutes closed, and then pour the water out before placing the turkey inside.
Also, take note of Timothy's comment about handling the hot turkey with care, as it will likely be too hot to handle barehanded without risking burns.
One other thing, when you reach your destination, if the turkey won't be served for a while, you may want to consider keeping it in a low oven (150F - 200F) if possible (covered, to keep it from drying out). That will keep the bird from cooling too much.
 
Let your turkey rest for about 20-30 minutes before wrapping it up. This helps the juices settle, so it stays moist. After that, wrap it in foil, then a towel and place it in the cooler. It should stay warm and delicious for your trip!
 

 

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