HAPPY ORANGE TURKEY

Happy Orange Turkey image

Here's the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Champagne and oranges flavor this special bird that will become one of your favorite turkey recipes ever. -Tara Baier, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h15m

Yield 24 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

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Ingredients

3 medium oranges
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 small onion, cut into wedges
4 fresh rosemary sprigs
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Turkey-size oven roasting bag
1-1/2 cups Champagne
1/2 cup orange juice

Steps:

Finely grate zest from oranges. Cut the fruit into wedges. Combine softened butter and orange zest. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the turkey; rub butter mixture under the skin., Pat turkey dry. Combine the garlic powder, salt and pepper; rub over the outside and inside of turkey. Drizzle with melted butter. Place the oranges, onion, rosemary and thyme inside the cavity. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together., Place flour in oven bag and shake to coat. Place oven bag in a roasting pan. Place turkey, breast side up, in bag. Pour Champagne and orange juice over turkey. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag; close bag with tie provided., Bake at 325° for 3-3/4 to 4-1/4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. Remove turkey to a serving platter and keep warm. Let stand for 20 minutes before carving. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374 calories, Fat 19g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 156mg cholesterol, Sodium 238mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 43g protein.