Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy

A simple, unstuffed roasted turkey served with an apple cider gravy that smacks of autumn.

Recipe Ingredients:

Turkey:
12 to 14-pound Honeysuckle White® Whole Turkey

Apple Cider Gravy:
1 tablespoon butter, melted (or margarine)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt - divided use
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper - divided use
4 cups water
2 cups apple cider
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Cooking Directions:

1. For Turkey: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Insert meat thermometer, if desired.
3. Brush butter over breast and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
4. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
5. Roast until juices run clear when thigh is pierced with a fork or meat thermometer registers 170°F (approximately 75°C), about 3 hours.
6. Remove turkey from pan and cover loosely with foil.
7. For Gravy: In saucepan over medium heat, bring giblets and 4 cups water to boil.
8. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour.
9. Strain broth and discard giblets. Skim fat from roasting pan juices, reserving 1/4 cup fat.
10. Add cider to pan over medium-high heat.
11. Bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits; reduce heat and simmer, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
12. In saucepan, over low heat, combine reserved fat and flour; cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
13. Stir in cider mixture and then giblet broth.
14. Increase heat and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
15. Stir in sage and remaining salt and pepper.
16. Slice roasted turkey and serve over gravy.

Makes 12 to 14 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Honeysuckle White, a division of Cargill, Incorporated. Used with permission.