I am afraid I have made a terrible mistake.  Thinking I would buy my turkey early and save time, I bought my 25 lb turkey last Thursday. It has been thawing in my refrigerator since. I have just read that a thawed turkey should be cooked no longer than 4 days after it thaws.  Well, it is 7 days till Thanksgiving.  Do I risk my guest's health if I dont cook it till then? Please help

Welcome to the Message Boards, Jaclin.  I'm sorry I can't help more than to suggest you call 1-800-BUTTERBALL [1-800*288*837*2255] and get an answer from them. 

I know there is the ideal of having this wonderful bird to present for the meal all steaming hot and beautiful, but if you must cook it sooner maybe you can do a smaller bird for presentation and have the time to carve your real bird and arrange it on a platter with garnishes?  I know the problem with going to someone else’s house for Thanksgiving is we get none of the leftovers… I’m sure you can find a volunteer to take the second bird home if you don’t want it!  Good luck and please let us know what you find out.

Eemma

Jaclin,

If my figures are right it has been 7 day's but with a 25# turkey there just may be some ice crystals inside.

I would look inside the turkey and if you still have some Ice crystals then I'd wash and dry the turkey and bake it right away.  You could peel the breast skin back, cut the turkey up and put it in a casserole or pan then cover it with the skin and freeze for thanksgiving. Take out of freezer a couple day's early, refrigerate.  Then in 325 -350* oven reheat.  Not like fresh but at least you saved the turkey. 

If you don't feel safe in doing this, I would buy another turkey .

Hope this give's you an idea what to do.

Good Luck and happy thanksgiving

Leila