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Happy Orange Turkey

Here’s the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Champagne and oranges flavor this special bird. Our tester called it “one of my favorite turkey recipes ever!” —Tara Baier, Menomonie, Wisconsin

14 ServingsPrep: 30 min. Bake: 3-3/4 hours + standing

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

Directions

Finely grate peel from oranges. Cut the fruit into wedges. Combine
softened butter and orange peel. 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

2 of 2

Happy Orange Turkey (continued)

Directions (continued)

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 meat thermometer
inserted in thigh reads 180°. Remove turkey to a serving platter
and keep warm. Let stand for 20 minutes before carving. If desired,
thicken pan drippings for gravy. Yield: 14 servings.

Wine: Medium-Bodied White Wine: Enjoy this recipe with a medium-bodied white wine such as Riesling or Gewürtztraminer