Bird, Trussing with String

Large birds such as turkey and goose, as well as smaller ducks, chickens, quail, and pigeons (squabs), can be trussed with a long piece of thin string without using a trussing needle. To make carving easier, first remove the wishbone: lift the neck skin and, with a small, sharp knife, outline the wishbone and cut it free from the breastbone. Tuck the neck skin and wings under the bird. Set the bird on its back. Pass a long string under the tail and knot it over the leg joints and around the tail, tying a double knot. Take the strings back along the body, passing them between the legs and breast. Flip the bird over onto its breast and loop the strings under each wing pinion. Tie the strings tightly, again with a double knot, and turn the bird onto its back. You will see that the legs and wings are held firmly to the body and the bird sits flat on the board.