Savory Turkey with Dressing

== Description ==
Part of Herbs 'N Spices: A Holiday Menu: a complete menu for a holiday open house or buffet-add the appetizers.
* Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
== Ingredients ==
* 1 turkey, 12 – 14 lbs — thawed if frozen
* ½ cup butter or margarine — at room temperature
* 2 teaspoons dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary — crushed
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* ½ teaspoon salt
== Directions ==
# Preheat oven to 325°F.
# Rinse and pat dry the inside and outside of the turkey with paper towels.
# Remove the giblets, neck, and tailpiece.
# Combine the butter, herbs and salt in a small bowl.
# Carefully loosen skin from the breast of the turkey starting from neck.
# Turn the turkey over and separate skin from the legs and thighs.
# Spread ½ of butter mixture between skin and meat over breast, legs and thighs.
# Rub remaining butter mixture over the turkey skin.
# Fill the turkey body and neck cavities with some of stuffing; truss if desired.
# Transfer remaining stuffing to a buttered casserole dish and refrigerate until later.
# Place turkey on rack set in a roasting pan.
# Roast, basting with pan juices, until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180 degrees.
# This will take between three and four hours, depending on your oven.
# Place dish with stuffing in oven 30 minutes before turkey is done.
# Let the turkey rest 15 minutes out of the oven before carving.
== Notes ==
You can do this same thing with a bone-in turkey breast, except the stuffing will be cooked in a casserole dish, and the meat will take much less time. A good alternative if you don't want any leftovers or have only a few people for dinner.
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Category:Cathy's Recipes
Category:Turkey meat Recipes
Category:Thyme Recipes
Category:Rosemary Recipes
Category:Oregano Recipes
Category:Basil Recipes