COOK IT UPSIDE DOWN FOR 1ST HOUR
A self-basted bird has had a solution injected into the breast to provide additional moisture to the normally dry white meat. This solution may contain either a special blend of seasonings or a solution that is high in fat content. The seasonings are fine. However, there is no need to add additional fat to turkey meat, especially if you just cook the bird upside down for the first hour.
If you place your turkey breast-side down on a “V” rack that has been placed in a low-sided cooking pan and allow it to cook for ½ the cooking time, some the juices will go to the breast and moisten the meat. Purchasing a bird with a basting solution injected into the breast just adds calories and fat to the lean white meat. Turn the bird right side up after the first hour and continue cooking for the balance of the time. The low-sided pan is recommended since it was found that a high-sided pan tends to steam the bird too much.
