Nigella Lawson shares top tip for perfect Christmas Turkey - and it involves a skateboard

Nigella Lawson's has hit back at critics of her roast turkey cooking method, which involves leaving the bird outside for several days before putting it in the oven

Nigella Lawson has shared her unique method for preparing a Christmas roast turkey, which she is "utterly convinced" by. The renowned chef and cookbook author revealed that she leaves the brined bird outside for several days, using her son’s skateboard as a deterrent against foxes.

"Before I had a garden, I put mine by an open window in the kitchen," she penned in her newsletter. "It does mean everyone freezes, but who am I going to put first — my turkey or my family? " She added: "Out in the garden if you’re lucky enough to have one would also be fine, though the pan must be securely covered: if I’ve got a bucket or bin out in the open, I cover it twice with foil and then put my son’s skateboard on top to prevent foxy foraging."

In her recipe, titled Spiced And Superjuicy Roast Turkey, Lawson explains how soaking the bird in a salty and subtly spiced mixture for "up to a day or two" tenderises the meat and enhances its flavour.

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The 64 year old culinary queen, known for her indulgent recipes and eloquent cooking shows, said: "And, though you might find it hard to believe sight unseen, a raw turkey covered in brine — with its oranges, cinnamon sticks, and scattering of spices — looks so beautiful as it steeps that I can never help lifting the lid for quick, blissfully reassuring peeks. You have only to try this method to be utterly convinced."

Since releasing her first cookbook How To Eat in 1998 through to 2020’s Cook, Eat, Repeat, and their accompanying TV shows, Lawson has amassed a large following, with several commenting on her advice.

One fan wrote: “Kindred! Those of us who spend Christmas at the family council flat have always known that the balcony essentially becomes the main fridge at this time of year. Boxes of food weighed down with various heavy household items to keep the pigeons out!” Prompting a response of “Also how big is Nigella’s skateboard…? Or how small is her Turkey?”

Meanwhile a second fan wrote: “First time cooking a whole turkey for Christmas so FINALLY get to try your recipe! I now have an official turkey bucket to use each year, wish me luck!” Before a third commenter added: “Not sure I’d risk leaving my Turkey out in the garden! Rats would’ve demolished it by morning.”