What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Here Come the Holidays: Rosemary Lemon Roasted Turkey! Did you know a frozen turkey will last up to two years in the freezer? First and foremost, it’s only a bargain if you have the space to store it. That being said, roasting a turkey is a great source of lean protein. A whole bird provides healthy meat that can be served several different ways. Unfortunately, our bodies need protein and cannot store it. We need to replenish protein in order to build strong bones, repair muscle, heal skin, and help keep blood sugar levels even. All the other vitamins and minerals are a bonus. A few words of advice: Remove and discard the skin of the roasted turkey, no matter how tempting that crispy, golden outer covering calls your name. It’s main purpose is to keep the meat moist. That, and for taking fabulous snapshots, of course.
ROSEMARY LEMON ROASTED TURKEY
Ingredients:
4-6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 lemons, quartered
12-pound turkey, thawed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°. Rinse turkey, pat dry. Insert rosemary and lemon pieces in the cavity of the turkey. Truss the turkey by wrapping the bird in cooking twine. Secure the legs and tuck the wings underneath. Transfer turkey to the roasting pan with the breast side up. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with kosher salt and garlic powder. Bake uncovered for 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 180°. The juice of the turkey will run clear when the center of the thigh is cut. Remove from oven. Cover. Allow turkey to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemons.
With only the 2 of us for Christmas dinner we won’t have a whole turkey, but still rosemary & lemon is perfect. 😋😋😋
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If I didn’t freeze the leftover turkey for soups and casseroles, it would be too much for us as well. 😜
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Yes, the Holidays are coming with big steps. Sounds like a fitting menu. Since we are off on the 24th and invited on the 25th, we will probably stick to our traditional Raclette which fits also the vegetarians in the family… lol.
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Good thinking. Everyone wins! 👏
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😃
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Rosemary and lemon are so good together no matter what they adorn!
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I agree. They make wonderfully tasty companions. 🌿🍋
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What a great way to re-imagine turkey. Looks delicious!
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Looking in the rear view mirror, I’d have to agree. 👀🍃
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so so so yum!
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There’s something about turkey that makes it fall into the “comfort food” category. 👏😋
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Rosemary, lemon and turkey, yes please!
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Herbs, citrus, and turkey that is not dry is always a WIN! 🌿🍋🦃
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[…] With Gail’s permission! […]
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You are very kind, Erika. 🍃🌸
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