One thing that can devastate a Thanksgiving dinner is cutting into the turkey only to find that it is not completely done. A meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of cooking your turkey. Listed below are some tips on how a meat thermometer can save your Thanksgiving.

A meat thermometer cannot only help you to determine if your turkey is completely cooked, it can also help you not to overcook the turkey and help keep it at a safe temperature to prevent food borne bacteria.

When cooking a whole turkey, place the thermometer in the thigh being careful not to touch the thigh bone. To check the stuffing temperature, the tip of the thermometer should be in the center of the body.

If you are using an oven safe thermometer, place it in the deepest part of the thigh prior to placing the turkey in the oven. Be sure to turn the thermometer so you can read it during cooking without taking the bird out of the oven.

There are also instant read thermometers. These should not be left in during cooking. Following the same instructions for a regular meat thermometer when using these.

If you are cooking a breast or a boneless roast, an oven safe thermometer is recommended. For a bone in breast, place the thermometer in the thickest part of the breast being careful not to touch the bone. For a boneless roast, simply place the thermometer in the center of the roast.

Using a meat thermometer can save your Thanksgiving from ruin. The first time you cut into the turkey it will be completely cooked and ready to enjoy!