Happy Orange Turkey

Name: Happy Orange Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 45 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 24 servings.
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

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 3-3/4 hours + standing YIELD: 24 servings.

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

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

6 ounces cooked turkey: 374 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 43g protein.