roasted turkey

How to make a Thanksgiving or Christmas Turkey!

Ingredients:

• 1 (18 lb.) whole turkey
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 quarts turkey stock
• 8 cups prepared stuffing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325F.
2. Place rack in the lowest position of the oven.
3. Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing.
5. Rub the skin with the softened butter, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Position an aluminum foil tent over the turkey.
7. Place turkey in the oven, and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan.
8. Baste generously every 15-30 minutes with pan liquids.
9. Add stock when you notice the basting liquids getting low.
10. Remove aluminum foil after 2 1/2 hours.
11. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 180F and/or about 4 hours.
12. Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter, and let it stand for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This step is very important.