Four Secrets to Roasting a Moist and Tender Turkey
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
A moist and tender version of the traditional holiday turkey with a tip to speed cooking time!
Author:
Recipe type: Main Dish
Cuisine: American Thanksgiving
Serves: 10 - 12 servings
Ingredients
  • 10 - 12 pound whole turkey
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1½ cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp coarse salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 3 stalks celery rough chopped
  • 1 medium onion rough chopped
  • ½ cup butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
  2. Place turkey in roasting pan and liberally salt and pepper turkey inside and out.
  3. Cut about half of the butter into thin pats and slip under skin of turkey. Do the same with about a third of the onion.
  4. Place remaining butter in cavity of bird. Rough chop remaining onion and celery and place in cavity as well.
  5. Mix mayonnaise and seasoning. If turkey is larger or smaller than specified above, adjust amounts as needed. Spread generously over turkey breast and thighs. Place leftover spread in the cavity.
  6. Roast turkey in 450 degree oven for 30 minutes. Turn oven down to 350 degrees and continue to roast. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165. Check internal temperature in about 30 minutes and repeat at intervals until the thermometer reaches 165. The closer the thermometer to 165, the closer the intervals can be.
  7. Remove from oven cover loosely with foil and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes,
  8. Use drippings and juices for gravy, if desired.
Notes
Serving size is about 4 ounces of meat, which is about the size of a deck of cards -- not one drumstick or one breast :-) Nutrition values do not include skin.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 4 ounces meat Calories: 1008 | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Protein: 145 g|
Recipe by A Pinch of Joy at http://www.apinchofjoy.com/2016/11/4-secrets-to-a-moist-and-tender-roast-turkey/