Don’t pack it tight. You want space. Air flows. Steam flows. Pack it loosely, like a cloud. The tighter you pack, the longer it takes to cook.
Stuff the neck cavity too. That flap of skin is a pocket. Fill it with a handful of the same mix. It cooks faster. It’s an appetizer for the cook.
Use wooden skewers to close the cavity. Or just tuck the legs. No sewing required. You’re not performing surgery.
The Final Verdict
Your turkey is a blank canvas. The cavity is the secret studio. You’re the artist. Paint wildly. Experiment with one new thing this year.
If you mess up? That’s fine. You still have gravy. Gravy fixes everything. Pour it on the stuffing. Pour it on the turkey. Pour it on your feelings.
So go ahead. Stare into that abyss. Then shove something amazing inside. Your guests will thank you. The turkey will not. But it’s already dead, so who cares?
