How should frozen ground turkey be thawed?

* In the refrigerator. This is the safest method but also the slowest. Place the frozen ground turkey in a bowl or on a plate in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours or until completely thawed.

* In cold water. Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and place the frozen ground turkey in a watertight bag. Seal the bag tightly and place it in the water. Change the water every 30 minutes or so to keep it cold. The ground turkey should thaw in about 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the package.

* In the microwave. This is the quickest method but also the riskiest. Place the frozen ground turkey on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on the defrost setting for 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the package. Be sure to rotate the ground turkey several times during thawing to ensure even heating. Once thawed, cook the ground turkey immediately.