If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the whole family, you want to make sure that the turkey comes out perfectly. It may take a bit of effort, but cooking a browned, flavorful turkey is possible if you adhere to a few strict guidelines. Here are some basic instructions for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey.

1. Buy the right size bird. Allot 1 to 1.5 pounds for each dinner guest. For example, if you’re hosting 10 family members for dinner, a 12-pound turkey should be just the right amount.
2. Thaw completely. Cooking a turkey that is still frozen inside is one of the most common turkey mishaps, so be sure to let your turkey thaw for at least one full day for every four pounds. If it’s still frozen on the day of, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes for each pound of meat.
3. Remove the neck and giblets. This is the most unpleasant step of the process, but it will be much more unpleasant if you forget to do it.
4. Roast. You should roast a 12-pound turkey for about 3 to 3.5 hours, less time for a smaller bird and more time for a larger one. Test the turkey’s doneness by using a food thermometer. Once the inside meat reaches 180 degrees F and the stuffing reaches 165 degrees F, it’s completely done.

Cooking Questions: Thanksgiving [AllRecipes]
How to Cook a Turkey Perfectly [How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey]
How to Roast a Turkey [Martha Stewart]
How To Cook a Turkey: The Simplest, Easiest Method [The Kitchn]

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One of the most delightful art spaces near Avana Woodridge, the recently renovated Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is a museum that's always in transition. Because there are no permanent exhibits, there are always different things to see at the facility. The late Pearl Fincher was a local community leader, and this museum is a great tribute to her legacy. There are three major galleries that so far this year have brought amazing exhibitions, and the Community Gallery features exhibitions from local elementary, middle, high school, and college students. With upcoming exhibits that focus on local art and architecture, there’s always something interesting around the bend. The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays until 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but a $3 donation per person is suggested.

Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts
6815 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 376-6322

www.pearlmfa.org
www.yelp.com/biz/pearl-fincher-museum-of-fine-arts-spring

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The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is said to be one of the best places to catch a concert in The Woodlands, offering a wide array of nationally touring acts from a variety of genres. The well-maintained outdoor facility features a large pavilion covering a spacious stage and stadium-style seating, as well as a standing area for those who want to get as close as possible to the stage.

If you don’t want to spring for the higher ticket price, save some money by purchasing lawn seats and spreading a blanket out on the grassy lawn to watch the show. With a great sound system, numerous food and beverages vendors and a lively, fun-filled atmosphere, you’ll love spending a summer evening watching live music at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

For a complete list of upcoming shows at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, visit the venue’s website.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
2005 Lake Robbins Drive
Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 363-3300
www.woodlandscenter.org

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr mripp