A Winning Roast Turkey Recipe
Roast turkey cooked well is a delicious meal most often served as a Thanksgiving meal, yet it’s a great meal anytime of year. Having this simple roast turkey recipe on hand is an easy method to prepare a meal the entire family will enjoy.
Shop for a plump turkey that weighs about 17 pounds. After defrosting, remove giblets and the neck out of the bird. Wash the entire turkey inside and out and thoroughly dry it. Using kosher salt, rub the entire bird. Combine in a small-sized bowl: two teaspoons dried thyme, two teaspoons ground sage, one tablespoon dried rosemary and one teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Fresh ground pepper is best if you have a pepper mill. Using this spice mixture, rub it into the cavities. Save some of this spice mixture for use later.
Pack the body cavity with Pork sage and onion stuffing. Be sure to pack it loosely and when completed sew the cavity or truss it closed. Another way to seal the bird is to use small lacing skewers and cotton string to fasten it closed. Tuck in the wings and fold the loose skin at the back of the bird in over the stuffing.
Extra flavor can be added while cooking the turkey by wrapping bacon strips around the thighs and the wings. Using melted butter, brush the top of the turkey and sprinkle it with some paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Cook the uncovered turkey at 375 degrees, baste frequently with pan juices, turkey or chicken broth. After an hour, baste and using the remaining spice mixture, sprinkle the bird with this seasoning. Form a tent out of aluminum foil and cover the turkey breast loosely. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees and cook another hour, basting occasionally.
Remove foil and continue cooking until a temperature reading reads 165 degrees(inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh).Once the turkey has been cooked thoroughly and is golden brown, let it sit for fifteen minutes. This allows it to set therefore making it easier to carve. Prepare your favorite vegetables and turkey gravy to accompany the roast turkey.