Using the meat thermometer

 Using the meat thermometer

• You can find meat thermometers in the household utensils section of most grocery stores, department stores, and specialty stores. Buy a thermometer, it's a worthwhile investment in precaution.

- Using the meat thermometer and Instant-Read Thermometers Product

• An instant-read thermometer can be digital or dial-read and comes in a storage case. Read the package information. Instant read thermometers have plastic heads and should not be baked while the turkey is cooking. However, it will record the temperature of the food within 15 seconds when the metal tip is inserted into the indentation of the thermometer; hence its name "instant read." Always clean the tip of the thermometer before storing it in the case.
• Standard meat thermometers are metal and designed to withstand oven temperatures. The detection area is from a pint to a half inch past the slit. This area senses the temperature of the food. Examine the thermometer and become familiar with the dial setting.
• Positioning the thermometer in the turkey is not difficult. Always place the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh because dark thigh meat takes longer to cook than other parts of the turkey.
• Place the tip of the thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh but away from the bone. The area of ​​the thigh closest to the turkey's body is the thickest part of the thigh. While you are washing the turkey, find the best place to position the thermometer.
• Gently turn the thermometer head or dial so you can easily read the temperature without removing the turkey from the oven. As the turkey roasts, the thermometer may move position, don't worry, just reposition the thermometer. The turkey is done when the thermometer temperature reaches 180ºF.
• Oven thermometers mark the temperature inside the oven. Such thermometers are also useful for measuring the temperature inside a grill. If the oven thermometer shows a lower temperature than the selected one, adjust the oven temperature.
• Check the accuracy of the thermometer (especially if the thermometer is old) by placing it for 10 minutes in a large cup with 50% water and 50% ice half melted. The thermometer should read 32ºF. A thermometer is considered accurate if it reads within two degrees or so of the temperature.
• To correct the temperature, use a small wrench to turn the adjusting nut until the thermometer reads 32ºF. To correct a digital thermometer, simply change the battery.