Baking your Holiday Turkey

Ingredients

Turkey

Paprika

Sage

Instructions

1)      Choosing the right size for the turkey.

Allow 12 ounces per person (whole bone in turkey)

2)      Preheat oven to 325°F

Be sure that the turkey is completely thawed.  Remove the neck and giblets from inside the turkey cavity.  Wash the turkey and pat dry.

Spray your roasting pan with non-stick spray and place turkey in the pan.

3)      Sprinkle the turkey with Sage or other herb(s) of your choice to give the turkey additional great flavor.  Then sprinkle generously with Paprika which will give the turkey that beautiful golden tan – don’t be too shy about it.  Pat the herbs against the skin so they will adhere to the turkey.

4)      Baking Times:

Un-Stuffed Turkey

6 to 8 lbs. – 2 ½ to 3 hours

8 to 12 lbs. – 3 to 4 hours

12 to 16 lbs. – 4 to 5 hours

16 to 20 lbs. – 5 to 5 ½ hours

20 to 24 lbs. – 5 ½ to 6 hours

Stuffed Turkey

6 to 8 lbs. – 3 to 3 ½ hours

8 to 12 lbs. – 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours

12 to 16 lbs. – 4 ½ to 5 ½ hours

16 to 20 lbs. – 5 ½ to 6 hours

20 to 24 lbs. – 6 to 6 ½ hours

When done the turkey should reach 170°F – 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

5)      When the turkey is finished cooking, remove from the oven and place under a foil blanket until it is time to place it on the table.  This will also allow you to finish up any other unfinished preparations you may have for your meal.

Happy Holidays!

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