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1
Remove and discard truss that holds turkey legs together. Pull or trim off and discard any excess fat in neck or body cavity. Remove giblets and neck.
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2
Rinse turkey inside and out with warm water. Pat dry with paper towels.
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3
Place the adjustable V-shaped rack in a 13 x 16 x 3-inch roasting pan (set rack sides so the bird is a minimum of 2 inches from pan bottom).
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4
Rub turkey skin generously all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set bird breast-side-up on rack. Pull wings away from body, then firmly twist them to push the wing tips under the bird.
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5
Using aluminum foil, form caps over the tips of the end of each drumstick. If any parts of the turkey extend beyond pan rim, fashion a foil collar underneath to make sure drippings flow back into pan. Do not tie legs together, add stuffing, or close body cavity.
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6
Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer near the center of the breast through thickest part until the tip touches bone, which is most accurate spot to check doneness.
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7
Verify oven temperature and set pan on the lowest rack in a 475u00b0 oven. Roast according to time chart:
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8
10-13 lb. 50min to 1 1/4 hrs.
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9
13-16 lb., 1 1/4 hrs to 1 hr 50 mins.
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10
16-19 lb., 1 1/4 hrs to 2 hrs.
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11
19-22 lb., 1 1/2 hrs to 2 hrs.
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12
22-24 lb., 1 1/2 hrs to 2 1/2 hrs.
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13
Continue to check as directed during cooking, until thermometer reaches 160u00b0. Halfway through roasting time, rotate pan in oven to assure even cooking and browning (Tip C). If areas on turkey breast start to get browner than you like, lay a piece of foil over the dark areas.
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14
Remove pan from oven, set in a warm spot, and loosely cover pan with foil to keep it warm. Rearrange oven racks to accommodate potatoes and dressing. Decrease oven temperature to 400u00b0. Let turkey rest 30 to 60 minutes. The resting period will allow the internal temperature to reach 165u00b0, the USDA safe cooking temperature for poultry.
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15
Drain juices from body cavity (often plentiful in unstuffed birds) into roasting pan. Transfer turkey to a platter or rimmed cutting board. Set aside juices for gravy.
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16
Cut off turkey legs at thigh joint . If joint is red or pink, return legs to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes (at 300u00b0 to 475u00b0) or heat in a microwave oven for 3 to 4 minutes.
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17
Carve the rest of the turkey. Carving juices may be clear to pink or rosy; both are fine. Save juices to pour into gravy if desired.
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18
Time Saving Tip. If you have a frozen turkey, place it in the refrigerator to thaw 4-6 days before Thanksgiving. Take it out an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
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19
Helpful Hints.If there is any smoke, check pan and wings for drips into oven; adjust foil under wings, or slide roasting pan onto a larger shallow rimmed pan. Wipe drips from oven bottom.
