Ingredients
turkey brine,optional
12lbsturkey,giblets and neck removed
1lemon,quartered
1onion,peeled and quartered
6fresh thyme sprigs
6garlic cloves,smashed
8tbspbutter,softened
2tspsalt,cut down to ½ tsp, if turkey is brined
1tsppepper
2cupschicken,or turkey broth, remove if turkey is brined
herbs
fruit
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Tuck the wings of the turkey under the body.
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon, onion, thyme sprigs and garlic.
Tie the turkey drumsticks together with kitchen twine, then place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
Place the butter, salt and pepper in a bowl, then stir until well combined.
Spread the butter all over the turkey, both on top of and underneath the skin.
Season the outside of the turkey with more salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
Cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until the turkey has started to turn golden brown.
Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F.
Baste the turkey with ½ cup of chicken broth.
Bake for another 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the chicken broth, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F.
Transfer the turkey to a serving platter, then garnish with herbs and fruit, if desired.
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
