Brined turkey

Ingredients

• 1 jar(s) turkey brine
• 6 cup(s) apple cider (for turkey brine)
• 16 pound(s) fresh turkey neck, heart and   gizzard removed (reserved, if desired)
• 8 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoon(s) chopped mixed herbs   rosemary, oregano, parsley and sage
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Prepare the turkey brine and brine the turkey according to the package instructions (turkey needs to be unfrozen and in brine 1 day before Thanksgiving for best results)
3. Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse well under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off and discard the excess fat. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
5. Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 400ºF.
7. In a bowl, using a wooden spoon, beat together the butter, herbs and pepper until well blended. Spread the butter mixture evenly on the outside of the turkey. and under skin on breast and thighs/legs. Truss the turkey as desired using kitchen twine.
9. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes. Loosely tent the turkey with foil, then reduce the oven temperature to 325ºF and continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. After about 2 1/2 hours of total roasting time, begin testing for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh, away from the bone. The breast should register 165°F and the thigh, 175°F. Total roasting time should be 3 to 3 3/4 hours.
11. Transfer the turkey to a carving board, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.