Herb-Rubbed Roast Turkey Recipe

[Alan]

Here's a recipe of Herb-Rubbed Roast Turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients
1turkey, 12-16 pounds
Kosher salt
1/4 cupunsalted butter
1/4 cupfinely chopped fresh herbs of your choice (I like parsley and thyme for turkey)
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Step 1
At least 24 hours before cooking the turkey, remove anything from the cavity. Reserve the neck and giblets if present. Pat the entire turkey very dry, inside and out. Sprinkle the turkey liberally with kosher salt, about 1 tablespoon for every five pounds of bird. Return the turkey, breast side up, to the refrigerator.

Step 2
Several hours before cooking the turkey, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. The salt should be absorbed and no longer visible on the surface of the turkey. Mix butter, herbs, and black pepper to taste. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, concentrating it where the meat is thickest.

Step 3
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roast the turkey, breast up for 30 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325°F. Cover the turkey breast with a triangle of aluminum foil to prevent it from over-browning and roast until a meat thermometer inserted halfway into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, about 2 1/2 hours. Remove the turkey, transfer to a platter, and tent with aluminum foil. Allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving and serving.

Source: https://food52.com/recipes/19789-herb-rubbed-roast-turkey

 

[green ninja]

If you are tired of preparing that huge turkey. Here is a recipe for a 3-pound turkey.

https://onedishkitchen.com/roast-turkey-for-one/

Ingredients

1 (3 pound) turkey roast -thawed
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Roast: Remove the turkey roast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Leave the string netting on the roast.
3. Make the Herb Paste: In a small bowl, combine the basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the olive oil to create a paste.
4. Season the Roast: Rub the herb paste evenly over the entire turkey roast, ensuring it's well-coated. Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan.
5. Add Butter: Lay slices of butter on top of the turkey roast.
6. Bake: Roast the turkey, uncovered, for 1 ¾ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature in the center reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the roast from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Carefully remove the string netting before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Keep the Mesh On: Leave the mesh string on the turkey roast during cooking. It holds the meat together, helping it retain its shape as it cooks.
• Check with a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast, avoiding the edge or the pan, and look for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Skipping this step may lead to dry turkey.

 

[wifflesaffle]

Don't forget your appetizers! I had tried these bacon-wrapped goat cheese & thyme stuffed dates with truffle honey and my family loves them.

Ingredients

14 Medjool dates (pitted, sliced in half lengthwise)
7 slices uncured bacon, cut in half
4 oz goat cheese (soft, spreadable)
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
¼ cup raw walnuts (chopped)
2–3 tbsp truffle honey (or regular honey)
Optional: a drizzle of truffle oil or sprinkle of truffle salt for extra truffle flavor.

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice the dates in half lengthwise, remove the pits, and open them slightly to create space for filling.
• Stuff each date with about a teaspoon of goat cheese. Sprinkle a little fresh thyme inside.
• Wrap each date with half a slice of bacon and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
• Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top and tuck a few fresh thyme sprigs onto the tray for extra flavor.
• Bake for 30–40 minutes, flipping every 10 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and golden.
• Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, and drizzle generously with truffle honey.
• Garnish with extra thyme sprigs and serve warm.
  
  
  https://mealswithmaria.site/bacon-wrapped-goat-cheese-stuffed-dates/

 

[Alan]

Appetizers are good! More recipes to come, I hope.