Trick For A Tender Turkey And Gravy

Most turkeys are not tender.  I have tried many ways to cook a turkey to try and get it tender and it has been difficult.  I have finally figured it out!  Even the breast was very tender and the trick is fairly easy.

I buy an organic turkey.  I don't want turkeys fill with antibiotics.  My turkey was about 18 pounds.  Clean out the innards and set it in a roasting pan UPSIDE DOWN.  Soften a stick of butter and brush the butter all over the turkey.

Stuff the turkey with an onion, lemon, and rosemary.  Sprinkle the turkey with salt, pepper, and thyme.  Put a meat thermometer in the deep part of the thigh.  Put it in an oven preheated to 325 degrees.

Let it cook until the thermometer reads 165 degrees.  The key is to get it out of the oven as soon as it hits this temperature.  What makes a dry turkey is overcooking it.  As soon as it reaches that temperature, take it out,  and cover with tin foil.  Let it rest for an hour or so.

Then cut off the legs and thighs.  Lay them down in the juices from the turkey and cook them for another half an hour at 325 degrees if they aren't completely done.  Take it out, carve the turkey, and enjoy!  It will be moist and delicious.

What has been your trick for a tender turkey?  If you have one, I sure would love to hear!

Turkey Gravy

Melt a stick of butter, then add 1/4 cup flour.
Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

Pour the above ingredients into the pan that the turkey was in with all the drippings plus a cup or two of chicken or turkey broth {I used the innards of the turkey and put them in a pan with water.  Then I cooked them on low for all the hours the turkey was cooking to make turkey broth.}.  Stir until thick.

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, 
and drink thy wine with a merry heart;
for God now accepteth thy works.
Ecclesiastes 9:7