Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County through the Nutrition Education program has a valuable guide that is designed to help consumers buy, thaw, roast, and store any turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving or any occasion you serve turkey. It is a must-have reference for the holidays and throughout the year. To receive a free copy, call the office at 845-344-1234.

Some turkey tips are as follows:

• Buying a turkey: allow 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person.Thawing in a refrigerator is approximately 24 hours per 5 pounds; 8-12 pounds thaw 1-2 days, 12-16 pounds thaw 2-3 days, 16-20 pounds thaw 3-4 days and 20-24 pounds thaw 4-5 days.
• Roasting an unstuffed turkey at 325 degrees: 8-12 pounds is 2 1/2 to 3 hours, 14-18 pounds 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours and 20-24 pounds is 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
• Roasting a stuffed turkey at 325 degrees: 8-12 pounds is 3 to 3 1/2 hours, 14-18 pounds is 4 to 4 1/2 hours and 20-24 pounds is 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours.
• To store your leftover turkey, debone and refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking.

We also encourage you to use a meat thermometer to prevent foodborne illness, prevent overcooking and hold foods at a safe temperature. In addition, wash hands and cooking surfaces often and separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

If you have any questions about nutrition or food safety, please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County at 845-344-1234.