How to Buy a Holiday Ham or Turkey Online

If you don't have time to cook a holiday ham or turkey, order a precooked one on the Web.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hams
• Turkeys
• Carving Knife
• Carving Knife
• Guest Subscriptions
• Internet Service Providers
• Computers

1. Before you shop, calculate how much meat you will need to feed the number of people on your guest list. (A whole ham will provide approximately 26 to 28 dinner servings, or you can buy smaller hams to feed fewer people. A typical turkey will usually feed 8 to 10 people.)

2. Click on a Related Site, enter the word "ham" or "turkey" on a search engine such as Yahoo or Alta Vista, or click the boxes for "ham" or "turkey" in the shopping list below and choose the "shop online" function.

3. Carefully read all the information on the site about prices, shipping costs and methods of delivery.

4. Be sure the product can be delivered in time for your holiday occasion.

5. Order the product using the ordering method specified.

6. As soon as the product is delivered, put it in the refrigerator.

7. Follow directions for refrigerating, heating, serving and freezing. Keep in mind that directions may recommend serving the meat at room temperature rather than reheating - make your plans accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes it is easier to browse the site, then see if the company has a retail store near you where you can purchase the food item you want. This may be more convenient if you will not be home at the time of delivery.
• If you have questions, call the toll-free number listed on the site for information before ordering.
• Food cannot be returned, although you may be able to get a refund if there is a problem.
• If you are uncomfortable using your credit card number online, find out if you can fax or phone in your order.
• Precooked hams will usually keep about six weeks in the freezer.
• When you order, be sure to check the size of the ham or turkey so that you will have enough refrigerator space to accommodate it.
• Make sure you observe all rules of food safety, especially those concerning refrigeration.