Your turn to host Thanksgiving at your Culver City apartment and whether this is your first time or your 20th or you have 20 guests, you want the star of the day to be perfect.  Here are some tips for cooking the perfect turkey.

1) You will need 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of turkey for each guest and if you purchase a frozen turkey, you need to allow for 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey.

2) Many people choose to brine the turkey ahead of time.  A brine is usually a liquid that has water (or wine), salt, sugar and spices.  Be careful not to brine too long or to make your brine too salty.

3) Regardless of what type of turkey you purchase, make sure that the turkey is thawed and ready for dinner.  Clean and dry both the interior and the skin of the turkey.

4) Rub oil or butter on and under the skin.  Add herbs like basil and sage under the skin and in the cavity.

5) If you are going to stuff your turkey, be sure the stuffing has cooled before you do so.

6) There are a few methods for cooking a turkey, some chefs say to start at 450 0r 500 and then turning the temp down to 350.  Alton Brown has a recipe that follows this method.   Others feel that cooking the turkey at 325 or 350 at 20 minutes per pound (a bit more if it is stuffed) achieves a moist turkey.

7) Be sure to have a thermometer, a well cooked turkey should be @ 165 when served.  Remember that a turkey will continue cooking after you take it out of the oven.

8) Let your turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes after cooking.  This will achieve the juiciest turkey and allow you to heat rolls and other sides.

We hope these tips will help you cook the most perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner.