What Was Wrong With the Turkey in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie “Christmas Vacation,” you’ve probably noticed the infamous turkey scene. While Clark Griswold was eagerly waiting for his family to enjoy a delicious turkey dinner, what he ended up with was a dry, shriveled-up bird that was anything but appetizing.

So, what went wrong with the turkey in “Christmas Vacation?” Let’s take a closer look.

Too Much Heat

One of the most common reasons for a dry and overcooked turkey is cooking it at too high of a temperature. In the movie, Clark’s mother-in-law suggests cooking the bird at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes per pound. However, this is actually higher than the recommended temperature and time for cooking a turkey.

The Solution:

To avoid making the same mistake as Clark, be sure to cook your turkey at no more than 325 degrees Fahrenheit and allow for approximately 15 minutes per pound of cooking time. Additionally, basting your turkey with butter or oil throughout the cooking process can help keep it moist.

Not Enough Moisture

Another reason why Clark’s turkey turned out dry and unappetizing was likely due to not enough moisture. When cooking a turkey, it’s important to keep it moist so that you end up with tender meat that is full of flavor.

There are several ways to keep your turkey moist during cooking. One way is to stuff the cavity with aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs.

This will not only add flavor but also release moisture as they cook. Additionally, covering your turkey with foil during part of the cooking process can help trap in moisture.

Not Letting It Rest

After taking his turkey out of the oven and carving it up immediately, Clark made another crucial mistake. Allowing your turkey to rest after cooking is essential for keeping it moist and flavorful.

After taking your turkey out of the oven, let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and prevent them from running out when you start to carve it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there were several mistakes made in “Christmas Vacation” that led to a dry and unappetizing turkey. Cooking at too high of a temperature, not enough moisture, and not letting it rest were all factors that contributed to the disastrous meal. However, by following these tips and avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your own holiday turkey turns out perfectly cooked and delicious.