Apple flavor gives this classic recipe a new spin that will appeal to even your pickiest eaters.
—SUZY HORVATH MILWAUKIE, OR
PREP: 20 MIN. • BAKE: 3 1/2 HOURS + STANDING • MAKES: 14 SERVINGS
1/2 cup apple cider or juice
1/2 cup apple jelly
1/3 cup butter, cubed
TURKEY
1/3 cup minced fresh sage
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
2 tablespoons apple cider or juice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 large apples, cut into wedges
1 large onion, cut into wedges
8 fresh sage leaves
1. Preheat oven to 325°. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, jelly and butter. Cook and stir until butter is melted. Remove from heat; set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons for finishing.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced sage and butter. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the turkey breast; rub butter mixture under the skin. Brush turkey with apple cider. Sprinkle salt and pepper over turkey and inside cavity.
3. Place apples, onion and sage leaves inside the cavity. Tuck the wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
4. Bake, uncovered, 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer inserted into thigh reads 170°-175°, basting occasionally with cider mixture. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. Brush with reserved cider mixture. Cover and let stand 20 minutes before slicing.