Lloyd Hardwick’s 5 Tips To A Perfect Turkey

The centrepiece of every Christmas feast, the turkey, can be a daunting task even for seasoned cooks. This year, we’re taking the guesswork out of the equation with expert advice from Lloyd Hardwick, our managing director and culinary mastermind behind many Forman & Field creations. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or an intimate dinner, these five essential tips will ensure your turkey is moist, flavorful, and utterly perfect this Christmas.

1. Start with the Best Bird

Your turkey’s journey to perfection begins with quality. Lloyd recommends choosing a dry-plucked, free-range turkey from small, hand-reared stock. Dry-plucking preserves the skin’s integrity for crispness during cooking, while free-range farming and attentive care give the meat superior flavour and texture. The love and attention that go into raising the turkey truly shine through in every bite- and that’s where our Seldom Seen Norfolk Bronze turkeys come in. Raised with exceptional care and attention, these birds deliver the ultimate festive flavour. To learn more about the farm behind these amazing turkeys, be sure to check out our Meet the Supplier blog and discover the passion that makes Seldom Seen Farm so special.

2. Room Temperature is Key

Before the turkey goes anywhere near the oven, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This step ensures the bird cooks evenly, reducing the risk of dry spots or undercooked areas. Depending on its size, this may take a couple of hours – but trust us, it’s worth the wait for a consistently cooked feast.

3. Season Smart

Instead of focusing on seasoning the skin, turn your attention to the cavity. Lloyd’s go-to combination is a generous bunch of rosemary and a whole orange. As the turkey roasts, these ingredients infuse the meat with vibrant, aromatic flavours, giving your dish a subtle citrusy lift and herbaceous depth.

4. Butter It Up

No one wants dry turkey, and Lloyd’s secret weapon to avoid this is herb butter. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey’s breasts and spread a flavorful herb butter directly underneath. As the butter melts during cooking, it bastes the meat, locking in moisture and adding rich, savoury notes. Experiment with your choice of herbs – parsley, sage, or thyme are excellent options to create your unique festive flavour.

5. Rest, Rest, Rest!

Once your turkey is perfectly cooked, resist the temptation to carve it straight away. Resting is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. For an extra edge, Lloyd suggests placing the turkey upside down on a trivet while it rests. This simple trick helps the juices flow into the breast meat, ensuring it’s as succulent as possible.

A final note from Lloyd…

A perfectly cooked turkey is only half the story – the other half is the joy that comes from sharing it with those who matter most. A meal is never just about the food – it’s about the conversations, the joy, and the connection with those you love.

To complete your festive feast, we’ve handpicked some of the best items to elevate your meal to the next level!