Every Thanksgiving, millions of home cooks become kitchen scientists, experimenting with thawing, basting, and timing the perfect bird. Friends and family share treasured secrets or tips for creating the ideal Thanksgiving meal; however, not every “secret” passed down at the dinner table is true - or safe.

MYTH #1: It’s safe to thaw your turkey on the counter overnight.

False. Here’s the truth: A turkey left at room temperature for more than 2 hours enters the “danger zone” (40°F-140°F) where bacteria proliferate, even if the center of the bird remains frozen. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey, or use the cold-water method by submerging the bird in cold water in a leak-proof plastic bag, changing the water every 30 minutes. (Allow 30

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