Choosing Your Bird

If your budget permits, look for a bird that has been reared naturally, with access to the outdoors and preferably an organic diet. It will have more fat and flavor and is less likely to dry out in the oven. Don’t be tempted to choose the largest turkey, as big birds are usually less flavorful and take quite a long time to cook. You may want to try to locate a high-quality turkey farm near you where you can book a bird early on, ensuring you get the best turkey for your Downton-inspired holiday feast. Many independent butchers also offer customers the opportunity to reserve a bird in advance. If possible, avoid purchasing a frozen turkey, which can yield a lesser result. To accommodate the size of your gathering, plan on about 1½ pounds (680 g) of turkey weight for each guest for larger birds. Because smaller birds (under 11 pounds/5 kg) have a lower meat-to-bone ratio, plan on 2 pounds (1 kg) for each guest.