How to Defrost a Turkey in 12 Hours

Holiday meals can be so hectic to plan and prepare. You find yourself running from store to store trying to get all the things you need for an unforgettable meal. Of course, there's the panic attack you get when you realize that you forgot to defrost the turkey. Don't worry. There's a way to defrost a turkey in 12 hours.

Instructions

1. Take the turkey out of the freezer immediately. Leave the plastic wrapping sealed on the turkey just as you purchased it from the store. Check the plastic wrapping to make sure that there are no holes that water could seep through.

2. Place the turkey in a sink filled with ice water or very cold water. Use a metal or plastic tub, utility room sink or a clean ice chest to fill with water. Soak the turkey.

3. Drain the water and replace with more chilled water every 30 to 45 minutes. Depending upon the size of your turkey, your turkey may defrost in less than 12 hours. Feel the turkey every time you change the water to see if the various parts of the turkey are still frozen or not.

4. Dry the packaged turkey off when it has defrosted. Store the defrosted bird in the refrigerator until it is time to prepare your meal.