I think there could be a book written containing all of the horror stories involving preparing a turkey dinner – cooking the turkey while still frozen, not cleaning out the cavity before cooking it, undercooking, overcooking – and you might know of a Thanksgiving turkey mishap, too. You can see why many people are intimidated by cooking a turkey. To me, it is really not difficult. There are simple steps to follow to prepare an impressive and yummy turkey with simplicity and ease. And, when you follow these easy steps, your turkey will be one of the most healthy options on your Thanksgiving table.
NOTE: To avoid bacteria, thaw your turkey in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before hand. Any final thawing can be accomplished when you rinse the bird off.
Ingredients
1 Free Range Turkey 12-14 lb.
Grape seed or Olive oil
Onions
Lemons & Oranges
Rosemary Sprigs
S&P
Butter
White wine or chicken broth
Half & Half or Whole Milk
**Roasting Thermometer needed
Instructions
STEP ONE:
Preheat oven to 425. Rinse thawed bird with water. Pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with wedges of citrus and sprigs of rosemary, alternating until the cavity is full.
STEP TWO:
Prepare the roasting pan by laying a bed of thick slices of peeled onion. Place bird on top and cover with olive or grape seed oil and S&P.
STEP THREE:
Start with a 425 degree oven for 30 minutes. SET YOUR TIMER for 30 MINUTES! Reduce oven to 325 degrees. Internal temp of the breast must reach 165 degrees and thigh 180 degrees.
*A 12-14 pound bird takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
*Let bird rest covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes before carving.
STEP FOUR:
Use a mesh colander to strain the juices from the pan into a sauce pan. Heat over medium and bring to a low bubble. Add 1-3 Tbls. butter and 1/4 cup of white wine (variation: chicken stock). Bring back to a slow simmer for approximately 15 minutes. Whisk in 1/4 cup whole milk or cream (optional). Heat thru and serve this with your sliced turkey.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO CARVE A TURKEY
Video Cred: NY Times FOOD