Fixing straddle legs in a turkey does not help an unstuffed bird cook any more efficiently or make it any juicier, but it does provide a more pleasing presentation. Tying turkey legs helps to keep stuffing contained if you are cooking a stuffed turkey. You also can secure the wings, but it does not have to be both or neither. You also can secure turkey legs in several ways, so choose the method that most appeals to you.
Skin Strap Method
Step 1
Stretch the skin and fat just beneath the turkey legs gently away from the turkey's rear. Be careful not to tear it.
Step 2
Cut a long horizontal slit in the skin and fat about 1/4h inch from the outer edge. Don't cut the skin and fat entirely off of the turkey.
Step 3
Push one turkey leg in toward the opening in the bird. Holding the leg in your non-dominant hand, use your dominant hand to pull the fat up over the end of the turkey leg, fitting the end of the leg through the slit you made.
Step 4
Push the second leg in toward the opening in the bird and secure the end by slipping it into the slit you made in the skin and fat.
Twine Method
Step 1
Cut a piece of twine 10 to 12 inches long. Exact measurements are not important; you can estimate.
Step 2
Push the ends of the turkey legs together and hold them with your non-dominant hand.
Step 3
Trap one end of the twine, about 4 inches in from the end, between your thumb and the top of the turkey legs.
Step 4
Wind the longer end of the twine around and around the ends of the turkey legs, securing them closed, or as near to closed as they will go.
Step 5
Release the end of the twine that is trapped under your thumb and use both hands to tie the twine in a square knot.
Zipper Tie Method
Step 1
Fold a plastic zipper tie into a loop and slip the flat end through the locking mechanism. Push the flat end through just enough so that you can hold onto it.
Step 2
Push the turkey's legs together and hold them in your non-dominant hand. Place your hand close to the turkey's body so that the ends of the legs are not blocked.
Step 3
Hold the zipper tie by its flat end and slip the loop of the zipper tie over the ends of the turkey's legs.
Step 4
Pull the zipper tie tight.
Tips and Warnings
- Enlist a helper to hold the turkey's legs while you tie them to make the job easier.
- Never serve the turkey without removing all of the twine because it is a choking hazard.
Things You'll Need
- Paring knife
- Twine
- Plastic zipper tie
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