Beer- and Rosemary-Roasted Turkey
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.