Recipe: Citrus Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

CITRUS ROASTED TURKEY

1 (15 pound) whole turkey, fresh or frozen (thawed)
3 large lemons
2 large limes
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 bunch fresh sage, divided use
1 bunch fresh marjoram, divided use
1 bunch fresh thyme, divided use

Remove giblets and neck from turkey; reserve for gravy. Rinse turkey with cold running water and drain well. Blot dry with paper towels.

Peel skin from lemons and limes to make rose garnishes. Reserve in refrigerator.

Squeeze enough juice from the lemons and limes to equal 2 tablespoons each. Cut the remaining lemons and limes in half and place in the turkey cavity. Sprinkle salt in the cavity.

In a small bowl, mix the wine, brown sugar and citrus juices; reserve for glaze.

Gently loosen skin from the turkey breast without totally detaching the skin and carefully place 1 tablespoon each fresh sage, marjoram and thyme under the skin. Replace the skin.

Fold neck skin and fasten to the back with 1 or 2 skewers. Fold the wings under the back of the turkey. Return legs to tucked position.

Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large shallow (about 2-inches) roasting pan. Rub turkey with salt, pepper and 2 to 3 tablespoons of salad oil. Insert oven-safe food thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful that the pointed end of the thermometer does not touch the bone.

Roast the turkey in a preheated 325 degree F oven about 3-3/4 hours. During the last hour of roasting time, baste with the pan drippings. During the last 30 minutes, baste with the citrus glaze. Loosely cover with lightweight foil to prevent excessive browning. Continue to roast until the thermometer registers 180 degrees F in the thigh or 170 degrees F in the breast.

Remove turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Garnish with the remaining fresh herbs and lemon and lime roses.

Prepare lemon and lime roses as follows:
With a small sharp knife or vegetable peeler, cut a continuous thin 1-inch strip of peel. Avoid cutting into the white pith. Roll tightly, skin inside out and secure with toothpicks. Reserve in a bowl filled with ice water until time for service.

Yield: 15 servings at 8 ounces per portion
Source: The National Turkey Federation