Mouthwatering Roast Turkey Recipe Guaranteed To Please

Roasted turkey is a mouthwatering meal usually served at Easter gatherings, yet turkey is a tasty meal anytime. Keep this roast turkey recipe handy as it is a simple method for preparing a dinner the family will love.

When shopping for a turkey, choose a plump bird that weighs about seventeen pounds. After removing the plastic wrap, take the neck and the giblets out of the turkey. Be sure to clean and dry it thoroughly both inside and out. Use some kosher salt and rub the entire turkey. In a bowl combine: two teaspoons ground sage, one tablespoon dried rosemary, two teaspoons dried thyme, one teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Use fresh ground pepper if you have a pepper mill. Rub this spice mixture in the cavities and save a bit of this spice mix for use later.

Take your favorite sage and onion stuffing and loosely pack in into the cavity. Once completed sew the cavity closed or use cotton string and small lacing skewers to close the cavity. Tuck in the turkey wings and be sure any loose skin is tucked in.

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 the foil and continue roasting until temperature reads 165 degrees.When the roasted turkey is golden brown and has finished cooking, allow it to sit for about seventeen minutes. This will permit the turkey to settle which makes it easy to carve. Serve with a nice variety of tasty vegetables and homemade turkey gravy.