GOLDEN ROAST TURKEY

Steps:

• 1. Remove giblets and neck from turkey; wash, and set aside. Wash turkey thoroughly inside and out.
• 2. Pat dry with towels.
• 3. Remove any excess fat.
• 4. Prepare your choice of dressing.
• 5. Preheat oven to 325.
• 6. Spoon some of dressing into neck cavity of turkey.
• 7. Bring skin of neck over back; fasten with poultry pin.
• 8. Spoon remaining dressing into body cavity; do not pack.
• 9. Insert 4 or 5 poultry pins at regular intervals.
• 10. Lace cavity closed with twine, bootlace fashion and then tie.
• 11. Bend wing tips under body, or fasten to body with poultry pins.
• 12. Tie ends of legs together.
• 13. Insert meat thermometer in inside of thigh at thickest part.
• 14. Place turkey on rack in shallow roasting pan.
• 15. Brush with some butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• 16. Roast uncovered and brushing occasionally with remaining butter and pan drippings; about 4 hours, or until meat thermometer registers 185.
• 17. Leg joint should move freely.
• 18. When turkey begins to turn golden, cover with a square of butter-soaked cheesecloth or a loose tent of foil, to prevent burning.
• 19. While turkey roasts, cook giblets and neck.
• 20. Place turkey on heated serving platter.
• 21. Remove cheesecloth or foil, twine, and poultry pins.
• 22. Let stand 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
• 23. Make gravy.
• 24. Notes: Approximate baking time is 18 minutes per pound.