Discover the Secret to Moistening a Turkey! Can’t Solve This Crossword Clue?

Certainly! I’d be happy to explain the answer ‘BASTE’ as it relates to moistening turkey.

When it comes to cooking turkey, one of the challenges is keeping the meat moist and flavorful. ‘Baste’ is a cooking technique that helps with this. To ‘baste’ a turkey means to moisten it during the cooking process by spooning or brushing liquid, such as melted butter, oil, or its own juices, onto the surface of the meat.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to baste a turkey:

1. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature according to your recipe.
2. Prepare the turkey by seasoning it with salt, pepper, herbs, or any other desired seasoning.
3. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with the breast side up. Position a rack in the pan to elevate the turkey and allow air circulation.
4. Melt some butter or heat some oil, which will serve as your basting liquid. You can also save the turkey’s own drippings from the pan, as they make an excellent basting liquid.
5. Using a basting brush or a spoon, carefully apply the liquid over the turkey. Start with coating the top surface and then move onto the sides and under the wings.
6. Continue cooking the turkey according to your recipe’s instructions. Basting should be done periodically, usually every 30 minutes or so, to keep the meat moist and promote even browning.
7. To baste, open the oven, carefully pull the rack out slightly, and close the oven door. Spoon or brush the liquid generously over the turkey, making sure to cover the entire surface.
8. Repeat the basting process throughout the cooking time, ensuring that the turkey stays moist and flavorful. Keep in mind that every time you open the oven door, you can lose heat, so work swiftly to minimize temperature fluctuations.
9. Once the turkey reaches the recommended internal temperature, usually around 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.

Basting helps to add moisture to the turkey, prevent it from drying out, and enhance the flavor. The liquid you use, whether it’s butter, oil, or drippings, contributes to the taste and richness of the meat. Additionally, basting creates a nice, golden-brown skin on the turkey, giving it an attractive appearance.

So, when you come across the clue ‘Moisten, as turkey’ in a crossword puzzle, the answer is ‘BASTE’. Basting is a technique that keeps the meat of a turkey (or any meat, for that matter) moist and delicious throughout the cooking process.