7 Ways to Keep Your Turkey Juicy

Let's talk turkey. This bird is the undisputed star of Thanksgiving. Here are seven ways to make sure your Thanksgiving centerpiece stays moist and delicious.

First, think about buying a fresh turkey. Frozen ones leak juices more easily when they thaw and cook. Soak it in a delicious brine. About eight to 18 hours should do the trick. Cut half the salt if you're brining more than eight hours. Be sure to dry the turkey completely before cooking.

Now, preheat your oven to 325 degrees and get cooking. Some people say to roast your turkey breast side down the first hour to help it stay moist. But it's tough to flip a hot bird. Here's another way. Fold a sheet of foil into a tent shape and place it over a turkey that's breast side up. Take it off after the first 60 minutes of roasting.

Blanket it with a moist cheesecloth. You can soak the cloth in stock, wine, or a combination of both. The turkey's done cooking when the thickest part of the thigh is 165 to 170 degrees. Let it rest for 20 minutes before you carve it, too.

Uh-oh. Did you overcook it? If so, no worries. Just ladle on some warm broth. Got leftovers? Stack boneless slices and wrap them in foil. Then, reheat them in the oven at 275 degrees until they're warm. And that's how you enjoy a moist Turkey Day masterpiece.