Beer- and Rosemary-Roasted Turkey

Portions:12
Share on Facebook Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • TURKEY
  • 1 whole turkey 12 lb, thawed if frozen*
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 can or bottle 12 oz dark beer
  • BEER GRAVY
  • ½ cup cold water
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 325°F.
  • Discard giblets and neck, or reserve for another use.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
  • Fasten neck skin to back of turkey with skewer.
  • Fold wings across back of turkey so tips are touching.
  • Place turkey, breast side up, in large roasting pan.
  • In medium microwavable bowl, stir together butter, mustard, rosemary, salt, pepper and beer.
  • Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds, stirring after 30 seconds, until well mixed.
  • Brush about one-third of mixture evenly over surface of turkey.
  • If turkey doesn’t have an ovenproof plastic leg band holding legs together, tuck legs under band of skin at tail (if present); or tie legs together with kitchen string, then tie to tail if desired.
  • Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone.
  • Roast uncovered 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, brushing with additional beer mixture and pan juices every 30 minutes.
  • Turkey is done when thermometer reads 165°F and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted.
  • Place tent of foil loosely over turkey to prevent excessive browning.
  • Place turkey on warm platter; cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Let stand 15 minutes for easiest carving.
  • Meanwhile, measure drippings and add enough water to make 2 cups.
  • In 2-quart saucepan, heat drippings to boiling.
  • In small bowl, mix cold water and flour until smooth.
  • Stir flour mixture into boiling drippings.
  • Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until gravy is thickened and bubbly.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

For a colorful garnish, arrange sliced onion, pattypan squash and carrots around turkey on serving platter; tuck in sprigs of fresh rosemary.
————————————————————————————————–
Course Main Dish / Turkey
Holliday Christmas