Whole Roasted Turkey

Roasting a whole turkey is something that most of us undertake only once or twice a year, follow these steps and your bird will be tender, juicy and perfectly presented.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (12 to 16-pound) turkey
Salt
Ground black pepper
Olive oil
Butchers twine
Roasting Pan

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. First remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. You can reserve these parts for the gravy.
3. Rinse the turkey with cold running water and drain well.
4. Blot dry with paper towels.
5. Season the inside cavity with salt and pepper.
6. Fold the wings under the body, to prevent the tips from burning.
7. Tie the legs together with butcher string.
8. Fold the neck skin and fasten it to the back with a skewer.
9. Drizzle the outside of the turkey with olive oil.
10. Season generously with salt and pepper.
11. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large shallow a roasting pan no more than 2 1/2-inches deep.
12. Insert an oven-safe thermometer into thickest part of the thigh, being careful it does not touch the bone.
13. Roast the turkey in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven about 3 1/2 hours depending on the weight.
14. Frequently baste the turkey with the pan juices.
15. Continue to roast until the thermometer registers 180°F (85°C) inserted in the thigh. (The legs will wiggle loosely when fully cooked.)
16. Remove the turkey from the oven and allow the bird to rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Makes 12 to 16 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of HolidayKitchen.tv. Photograph property of CooksRecipes.com.