Amp up the AC, forget the heat outside and whip up a Sunday roast

The ultimate roast turkey is the centrepiece of most holiday season tables. But a well-cooked bird doesn't only have to be reserved for special occasions.

The turkey is the one thing most people want to see at the centre of a table come the weekend, but can also be the most stressful part to prepare.

Experiencing some turkey roasting anxiety? Choithrams.com has you covered with these foolproof tips and tricks for roasting the perfect bird.

Think ahead

Always give yourself enough time to defrost your turkey properly. If you go the frozen bird route, you are going to need at least 24 hours of defrosting time for every 450g of turkey, so make sure you plan ahead.

If you do need to keep your hands busy, try making some cranberry sauce from scratch while you wait. Alternatively, pick up a delicious jar from Choithrams.com

We love leftover open sandwiches with turkey, cranberry sauce, feta cheese and vegetables. You're welcome.

Be prepared

Unwrap your turkey the night before and rub the skin with plenty of butter. This will give it a beautifully browned, extra-crispy exterior, so go crazy.

Stuff it

A turkey cooks best when the cavity is only loosely filled so make sure you don’t overstuff it. We suggest cooking the stuffing separately and filling the bird with onions, garlic and herbs.

Close the door

While it’s tempting to check on it, opening the oven door reduces the temperature inside, which means your turkey will take longer to cook, and it will dry out more easily.