Truss Up the Perfect Bird: A Complete Guide to Using Turkey Lacers

As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts turn to roasted turkey—the centerpiece of the holiday table. For the juiciest, most flavorful stuffed turkey, properly securing the cavity is essential. Turkey lacers are the smart, easy way to truss and bake a beautiful bird. Read on for everything you need to know about these handy turkey trussing tools.

What Are Turkey Lacers?

Turkey lacers are thin, sharp needles about 4-5 inches long. One end has an eyelet or hook and the other tapers to a sharp point. They are used with butcher’s twine to firmly close up and truss the cavity of a stuffed turkey or other poultry.

The lacers themselves don’t hold anything shut. The string threaded through the eyes does the real work, lacing up the bird cavity. The needles simply provide channels for the string to pass through securely.

Why Use Turkey Lacers?

Lacers serve two key purposes:

• They prevent stuffing from falling out of the cavity during roasting,

• They seal the cavity to keep moisture in and maintain even cooking

Without lacers stuffing can leak out drying it out and burning the exposed edges. Lacers cinch up the cavity for picture perfect results.

Types of Turkey Lacers

Lacers come in a few styles:

• Metal – The original style made of stainless steel. Sturdy but can rust if not dried well.

• Plastic – Cheaper but functional. Won’t rust easily but can bend.

• Silicone – Flexible and heat-safe. Easy to insert and clean.

• Disposable – Single use, usually wood or bamboo. Not very durable.

Stainless steel offers the best blend of strength and longevity. Buy more than you need since they tend to disappear into kitchen drawers.

Preparing Your Turkey

Before inserting the lacers:

• Remove giblets and neck. Rinse cavity thoroughly.

• Pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.

• Lightly rub skin with oil or butter and season outside with salt and pepper.

• Stuff cavity loosely, leaving room for airflow. Don’t overpack.

• Truss legs together with twine. Tuck wing tips under body.

Inserting the Lacers

Strategic lacer placement ensures even cooking. Follow these steps:

• Insert 2-3 lacers in the neck cavity spaced apart and angled slightly up.

• Place 2-3 more around the main cavity opening evenly spaced.

• Angle lacers outward so they don’t pierce straight into cavity.

• Push needles in 2-3 inches until they poke through the other side.

• Eyelet ends should protrude about an inch on each side.

Trussing with Twine

Once lacers are in place, it’s time to lace it up:

• Cut a 24-inch section of butcher’s twine.

• Thread one end through each lacer eyelet.

• Pull tightly to draw ends together, maintaining tension.

• Knot and trim excess string after each eyelet.

• Make a second pass threading through any gaps.

• Finish with a tight double knot at the neck and trim excess.

Cooking Your Trussed Turkey

With lacers and twine secured, roast as normal:

• Place turkey breast-up on a rack in a roasting pan.

• Rub skin with oil/butter and season.

• Roast at 325°F, allowing 15-20 minutes per pound.

• Baste occasionally with pan drippings.

• Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Let rest 20 minutes before removing lacers.

Removing Lacers and Serving

Once roasted, remove lacers:

• Snip off trussing twine with kitchen shears.

• Slowly ease out lacers one by one. Take care as they’ll be hot.

• Transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest and discard lacers.

• Snip away any remaining twine.

• Carve turkey and serve immediately.

Double check cavity for any stray needles before serving. Enjoy your perfectly trussed turkey!

Cleaning and Storing Lacers

Proper lacer care ensures they last for years:

• Soak used lacers in hot water before washing.

• Scrub with a brush and hot soapy water.

• Rinse and hand dry thoroughly, allowing to fully air dry as well.

• Store in a cutlery drawer, knife block, or protective pouch.

• Avoid the dishwasher which can damage them over time.

• Inspect for rust and discard any degraded ones.

With minimal effort, your trusty turkey lacers will serve you for countless holiday feasts to come. Just follow these tips and enjoy perfectly stuffed and trussed birds. Happy Thanksgiving!