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Darby's Daily Balance

The Turkey

Thanksgiving countdown: part 1 — the turkey.

Serving size
for ~16 lb turkey
Total
210 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 lemons (halved)
  • 4 tbsp paprika
  • 3 tbsp garlic powder
  • 4 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp Cajun seasoning (spicy optional)

Method

  1. 1

    Thaw & prep: Make sure your turkey is fully thawed and pat it dry.

  2. 2

    First butter mix (for marinade): Melt 1 stick of butter and stir in half the seasonings. Pour this over and under the skin of the turkey.

  3. 3

    Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for 12–24 hours.

  4. 4

    Second butter mix (for injection): The next day, melt the second stick of butter with the remaining seasonings.

  5. 5

    Inject: Using a flavor injector, inject the butter mixture into the breast, thighs, wings — everywhere!

  6. 6

    Roast: Bake at 325°F for about 1½ hours, then inject the remaining butter mixture again.

  7. 7

    Finish cooking: Continue roasting for about 2-3 more hours, or until the turkey reaches 165°F in the breast and 170–175°F in the thigh.

  8. 8

    Rest & serve: Let it rest 30 minutes before carving.