So much time is spent planning the cooking for Thanksgiving, but there’s also the carving and serving of the turkey to consider. Once the bird is done roasting, there’s a flurry of activity while it rests (you do let the turkey rest?) and you pull everything else together. That is not the time to start thinking about how to carve the roasted bird. Read on for tips and a video that prepare you for carving victory.

Shop dartagnan.com for your last-minute holiday needs, and check our Thanksgiving recipes for inspiration.

Here are some tips to help you carve a perfect turkey and not hurt anyone in the process.

1. Do it right. Don’t carve the turkey at the table. The idea of a whole roasted turkey presented and carved at the table sounds good, but in reality, it’s an awkward task, and there’s not enough room at the table.
2. Better to carve in the kitchen, with your largest cutting board, and all the knives, towels,  and counter space you need. There’s also no audience in the kitchen.
3. Be sure to have a sharp knife – or two.  A boning knife is best to carve the turkey meat off the bones, and a chef’s knife can do the rest. If your knives are dull, you will get ragged slices of turkey breast, and you are more likely to hurt yourself with knife slippage.

This video from the Culinary Institute of America shows you how to carve like a pro and get the most out of your turkey this year.

When you’re finished, the drums, thighs, and sliced breast meat can be beautifully arranged on a platter for ease of serving. Isn’t that what everyone wants?

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Since 1985, D’Artagnan has been at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, producing superior tasting products by partnering with small ranches and farms. We are committed to free-range, natural production, sustainable and humane farming practices and no use of antibiotics or hormones. That’s why D’Artagnan products have been revered by America’s most renowned chefs for over 30 years. We offer the same high-quality products to home cooks at dartagnan.com, along with recipes and guides to help you live the tasty life.

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