Make certain that when you are handling the turkey, your counters are clear. Everything that touches the raw or partially cooked turkey needs to be scrubbed thoroughly with warm, soapy water. This includes your hands, thermometers and any other implements that touch the turkey. Proper defrosting is critical to ensure thorough cooking. Move your twenty-pound turkey from the freezer to the refrigerator on Sunday.
Thermometers help take the guesswork out of food safety.
In addition, thermometers are getting faster and easier to read. Oven-safe thermometers are also convenient because they can stay in the oven while the turkey cooks. One new type of thermometer that deserves mention is the T-stick disposable thermometer. They are good for checking hamburgers, though they won't help much with your Thanksgiving turkey. Don't forget to calibrate before you celebrate.