When ready to cook, begin by removing the turkey from its outer packaging. Save the package for suggested cooking times and suggestions if needed. Once the wrappings have been removed, it will be necessary to remove the brace that has held the legs in place. Some are metal and must be removed from each end of the cavity opened. Others are plastic and can be pulled free. Remove either before cooking. Plastic will melt in the oven and ruin the meat; a metal leg brace will taint the meat with an unpleasant metallic taste. Remove the giblets and neck.
Next, wash the bird thoroughly with cold water inside and out. Do not use soap. Rinse the cavity until the water runs clear and there is no remaining blood. Most cooks prefer to trim excess skin from around the neck and to remove the fatty deposits near the bottom. Next remove the giblets. Reserve for cooking or for making broth or share with pets. If feeding giblets to any animal, be sure to cook first. Next, place the turkey into a prepared roasting pan, breast side up.
In the past, many cooks rubbed salt in the cavity of the turkey to tenderize the meat. Today, it is unnecessary because most birds are young and tender. A few generations ago, it was common to parboil the turkey before roasting as another method to tenderize but that is no longer necessary.
Fill the cavity with celery and quartered onions. Wash and chop celery into lengths that will fit inside the bird. Peel and quarter onions, then add with the celery. These vegetables enhance the flavor of the meat. Do not do this if planning to stuff the turkey with dressing but instead arrange celery and onions in the pan around the bird.
If stuffing the bird, wait until just before the turkey goes into the oven. Use a recipe for homemade dressing or opt for breadcrumb mixes or even packaged stuffing mixes. An alternative method is to bake the stuffing in a separate dish.
Melt a stick of butter or margarine then pour over the turkey. For a fat-free alternative, spray the outer skin with non-stick pan coating. Several brands now offer a butter flavor as well as other varieties.