How to Carve a Turkey in 6 Simple Steps

by0| PUBLISHED Oct 12, 2009 8:00 AM

Don't let turkey anxiety get the better of you this Thanksgiving: carving your beautiful bird into equally beautiful servings isn't nearly as hard as it looks. All you need is a sharp knife, a carving fork, and patience.

STEP 1 Steadying the turkey with a carving fork, remove the leg at its joint with a sharp knife. On a plate set out for cutting (not the serving platter) separate the drumstick from the thigh.

STEP 2 Next, slice the thigh into strips parallel to the bone. While holding the drumstick upright, slice the meat vertically off the bone.

STEP 3 Remove the wing from the body by cutting at its joint (you may have to dig a little).

STEP 4 To slice the breast meat, make a long horizontal cut at the bottom of the breast--this will allow the breast meat to fall away easily when sliced.

STEP 5 Using an even, downward motion, slice the breast into slices perpendicular to your previous cut.

STEP 6 Repeat all steps with the turkey's other side; arrange slices neatly on a serving platter, and enjoy.

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How to Carve a Turkey in 6 Simple Steps

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