Garlic-Sage Butter Basted Turkey

This simple, yet flavorful roasted whole bird has a delicious compound butter, made with fresh sage and garlic, spread beneath the skin prior to roasting.

Recipe Ingredients:

Compound Butter:
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed

Turkey:
1 (12-pound) turkey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Directions:

1. For Compound Butter: In a bowl stir together softened butter, sage, and crushed garlic cloves; let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. For Turkey: Wash turkey inside and out and dry thoroughly. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Work the skin loose from a turkey and spread the herbed butter mixture underneath.
4. Roast according to the label directions, or at 400°F (205°C) for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until a thermometer registers 180°F (85°C) in the thigh without touching the bone. Baste with any remaining herbed butter during roasting.

Makes 12 servings.