Recipe: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze and Lemon and Lime Roses

HERB-ROASTED TURKEY WITH CITRUS GLAZE

1 (15-pound) whole turkey, fresh or frozen (thawed)
3 large lemons
2 large limes
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 bunch each fresh sage, marjoram and thyme, divided
2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

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 1/2 teaspoon 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 deep) roasting pan. Rub turkey with remaining salt, pepper and 2 to 3 tablespoons of vegetable 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.

Remove turkey from the oven and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Place on a warm large platter and garnish the platter with the remaining fresh herbs and lemon and lime roses.

*TO PREPARE THE LEMON AND LIME ROSES:
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.

Servings: 20
Source: The National Turkey Federation