THE TURKEY

Let’s get cookin’ starting with the Turkey and Ham, and finishing off with all the sides and deserts. Sense we all are trying to eat heath; I’m going to update my recipes and try to take a little fat out without losing that good old fashion taste

ROAST TURKEY
Ingredients

1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onions
2 celery stalks
Several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, or sage
1 bay leaves

Special equipment: large roasting pan, pastry brush or bulb baster, instant-read thermometer

The brine (see November 14,2011 post)

Directions

Adjust an oven rack to the lowest position and remove the other racks. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

1.Remove the bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard the brine.
2. Pat turkey dry from all moisture. Place the bird on a v-shaped roasting rack salt and pepper
the cavity.
3. Slice the onions, and chop celery, Stuff all inside the turkey along with some of the herbs and 1 bay leaf. Pin the wings behind the turkey.
4.Turn the turkey breast side down, and season with salt and pepper. Tie the legs with butcher twine, and place in *roasting pan.
Take 1/2 of the softened butter and liberally massage turkey, being sure to cover the entire birds, breast and thighs.
5.Tent turkey with aluminum foil place turkey in preheated oven, after 2 hours, remove the foil from the turkey and use a pastry brush or bulb baster to baste turkey with the reserved butter and some of the pan drippings, cover loosely with the foil tent. Bake until the skin is a light golden color, **roast for 3 ½ to 4 hours. During the last 45 minutes of baking, remove the foil tent to brown the skin. Basting is not necessary, but will promote even browning.
6.Allow turkey to rest for at l5 minutes before carving (or removing stuffing if stuffed)

*Use a shallow roasting pan
** Bake 20 minutes for each pound

10-13 lb. 350° F 1 ½ to 2 ¼ hr.
14-23 lb. 325° 2 to 3 hr.
24-27 lb. 325° 3 to 3 ¾ hr.
28-30 lb. 325° 3 ½ to 4 ½ hr.