To thaw a turkey, you simply put it in your fridge for aproximately 1 day for every 5 pounds. This is only a guestimate however. I once bought a frozen 15 pound turkey and had it in the fridge to thaw for 4 days. Thanksgiving morning I found it was still partially frozen so I gave it a cold water bath. This involves soaking "old Tom" in a tub of very cold water, turning him over about every 1/2 hour. Still, Tom, was not totally thawed by the time I was ready to stuff him, so I got out my blow dryer and, you guessed it, you know!

I like to do it in cold water if I'm in a hurry:-) To thaw turkey in the refrigerator: Keep the turkey wrapped and place it in a pan, which is VERY IMPORTANT! You would not believe how much juice can escape out of one bird!! Let stand about 24 hours for each 5 pounds of turkey. Let large turkeys stand a maximum of 5 days in the refrigerator. The giblets and neck are customarily packed in the neck and body cavities of frozen turkeys. They may be removed from the cavities near the end of the thawing period to expedite complete thawing of the bird. If desired, the giblets and neck may be refrigerated and reserved for use in Giblet Gravy. To thaw turkey in cold water: Make certain that the turkey is in a leakproof package or a zipper-seal plastic bag. I like putting it in a kitchen garbage bag with the opening up and just twisted out of the water. This prevents bacteria in the surrounding environment from being introduced into the food, and prevents the poultry tissues from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product. Change the cold water every 30 minutes. Approximately 30 minutes per pound of turkey are required for thawing. After thawing in cold water, the turkey should be cooked immediately.

We buy a fresh one, it's much easier.

I never do a turkey that small for my family (we're usually feeding upward of 12). Personally, I take the turkey straight out of the freezer and in cold weather leave it sitting on the porch (where it's usually about 40F) all evening. Right before bed (1am), I put the turkey in a roaster and fill the roaster with water. Then it goes in the oven overnight on 250. When I get up in the morning (6 or 7, maybe 8), I turn it off. Then around three o'clock in the afternoon, the oven gets turned back on. Melts in your mouth. I'm thinking you could fill your sink with hot water and do a 12 lb turkey in a few hours, though.