Roast Turkey

Roast at 325°F

8-12 lbs Thermometer reading: 180°F to 185°F stuffing: 165°F Total Roasting time: 3 - 3½ hrs
              not stuffed, total roasting time: 2¾ - 3 hours

12-14 lbs total roasting time: 3½ - 4 hrs
               not stuffed, total roasting time: 3 - 3¾ hrs

20-24 lbs total roasting time: 4¾ - 5¼ hrs
               not stuffed, total roasting time: 4½ - 5 hrs

Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove and discard neck and giblets from turkey. Rinse turkey with cold water; pat dry. Sprinkle cavity of turkey with salt.

Spoon dressing loosely into neck and body cavities of turkey. Turn wings back and tuck tips over shoulder joints. Refasten drumsticks with metal piece or tuck under skin at tail. Fasten neck skin to back with skewers.

Place turkey, breast side up, in roasting pan. Insert meat thermometer so bulb reaches center of thickest part of thigh, but does not rest on bone. Spoon margarine over turkey. Do not add water or cover.

Bake at 325°F until turkey is fork tender, juices run clear and meat thermometer registers 180°F to 185°F. If necessary, cover turkey breast with tent of foil during last 1½ to 2 hours of baking to prevent excessive browning.

Let stand 15 to 20 mins before carving. Remove skewers. Remove stuffing; place in serving bowl.

Thyme and Rosemary Herb Rub

2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or 2 tsp dried thyme leaves
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or 2 tsp dried rosemary leaves (crushed)
1 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp coarse ground black pepper

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well
Rub mixture evenly on both sides of desired poultry

Spicy Rub

1 tbsp oil
½ tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp salt
¼ tsp allspice
¼ tsp ground thyme
1/8 tsp ground red cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well
Rub mixture evenly on both sides of desired poultry

Herb-Lemon Basting Sauce

1/3 cup lemon juice
¼ cup oil
1 tsp dried rosemary leaves (crushed)
½ tsp dried thyme leaves
¼ tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp paprika

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well
Brush over poultry frequently during baking or grilling. If desired, bring any remaining sauce to a boil; serve with poultry

Taken from the Pillsbury® Complete Cookbook