All of you seasoned cooks out there don't need this information, but for those of us who rarely cook a turkey, this could keep your guests from getting sick. 

When do you start thawing?  How long do I cook my bird?  Do I wash it first?  Click through for information on the USDA recommendations for thawing your turkey here.

The USDA has a hotline for meat and poultry that’s available to help. You can call them at 800-535-4554. And, of course, Butterball operates their Turkey Talk-Line at 800-323-4848. You can call them throughout November and December.

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