Classic Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter Rub

Fresh vegetables and fruit with an herbed butter rub guarantee a moist and tender holidy turkey.

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Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12-14 lbs, rinsed thoroughly, giblets removed)
• Seasoned salt
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Herb butter rub (recipe follows)
• 3 medium onions, quartered
• 3 carrots cut into 2 inch pieces
• 3 stalks of celery cut into 2 inch pieces
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 8 sage leaves
• 3 medium apples, quartered
• 2 large navel oranges, quartered
• 2 lemons, quartered
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 teaspoons fresh ground pepper
• 10 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved
• 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• Herb Butter Rub:
• 1 stick butter, room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Method

Rub turkey all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and pepper. Take the herb butter and rub under the loosened skin. Your hand will slide easily between the skin and meat. Rub under the skin of the breasts, legs and thighs. Be careful not to tear the skin. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss well. In a large roasting pan, spread enough vegetables on the bottom to sit the turkey on top. Stuff the inside of the turkey with vegetables. Be sure to use some of all the vegetables when stuffing the inside. Take the remaining vegetables and lay around the turkey. Cook uncovered as directed on the turkey package. Baste several times during roasting. If you see the skin is getting too brown, just tent it with tin foil. Serves 8-10

Notes: This is the most tasteful and moist turkey I have ever baked. The only draw back this recipe has been, is that I now have to fix the turkey every Thanksgiving.

Number of servings: 8-10

Submitted By: lcmcallister
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