THYME-CHIPOTLE SEASONED TURKEY

"A whole turkey sprinkled with a thyme and chipotle chile pepper seasoning before roasting."

2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 Butterball Turkey (14 pounds), thawed if frozen

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Mix thyme, chile pepper, garlic salt and black pepper in small bowl; set aside.

Remove neck and giblets from body and neck cavities of turkey; discard or refrigerate for another use. Drain juices from turkey; dry turkey with paper towels. Turn wings back to hold neck skin against back of turkey.

Place turkey, breast up, on flat roasting rack in roasting pan about 3 inches deep. Spray turkey with cooking spray. Sprinkle with seasoning mixture.

Roast turkey 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until meat thermometer reaches 180 degrees F when inserted deep in thigh, covering breast and top of drumsticks loosely with foil after 2 hours to prevent overcooking of breast.

Let turkey stand 15 minutes before carving.

Carving Note:
To get best seasoning flavor on each slice, carve each breast half off breast bone and then cut breast halves into crosswise slices.

Notes
- Turkey may be reheated in microwave. Place turkey on microwave-safe platter; cover with plastic wrap, microwave on medium-high power (70%) for 10 minutes or until hot; rotate dish once.

- Use leftover turkey for sandwiches, salads, soups or casseroles.

Makes: 14 servings (6 ounces turkey each)
Source: Butterball