There are many different ways to cook turkey or ham for Christmas, and the best method will depend on your personal preferences and the size and type of the meat. In general, it is best to cook turkey or ham using a low and slow method, such as roasting in the oven or using a slow cooker. This will allow the meat to cook evenly and retain its moisture.
To roast a turkey in the oven, you will need to preheat the oven to 160-175 ºC and place the turkey in a roasting pan. Before cooking, it is important to season the turkey with herbs, spices, and other flavourings of your choice. You will also need to baste the turkey regularly with its own juices or a flavourful liquid, such as chicken broth or apple juice, to keep it moist. To check if the turkey is done, the best way and safest way is to use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. It should reach a minimum internal temperature of 75 ºC degrees in the thickest part of the bird.
If you prefer ham, cook the ham on the low setting for several hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 62ºC. When the ham is cooked, you can glaze it with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and other seasonings before serving.
It is important to use a digital thermometer when cooking ham or turkey at Christmas time (or any other time) to ensure that the meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature. This is because undercooked ham or turkey can harbour harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning if consumed. Using a digital thermometer allows you to accurately check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure that it has reached a safe level. This is especially important for large cuts of meat like ham or turkey, which can take several hours to cook and can be difficult to gauge by sight alone.
One of the best advantages using a digital thermometer is you don't have to slice into the meat to see if the Ham or Turkey is cooked. Simply insert the probe into the meat using a small opening, and the thermometer will provide a precise temperature reading without causing any large cuts or damage to the meat, keeping your Christmas Ham or Turkey looking amazing!
Overall, the key to cooking a delicious turkey or ham for Christmas is to season it well, cook it slowly, and use a digital thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to the perfect temperature, keeping your meat juicy and delicious.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing you again next year, and we hope that you enjoy your perfectly cooked Christmas ham or turkey. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the new year!"