Savory Herb Roasted Turkey

1. 1

   Stir together first 5 ingredients.

2. 2

   Remove giblets and neck, and rinse turkey with cold water. Drain cavity well; pat dry. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons seasoning mixture inside cavity of turkey. Loosen and lift skin from turkey with fingers, without totally detaching skin; spread 1 tablespoon seasoning mixture evenly underneath. Carefully replace skin. Brush turkey with melted butter. Rub remaining seasoning mixture on skin. Tie ends of legs together with string; tuck wing tips under. Place turkey on a wire rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Add 3 1/2 cups water to pan; cover turkey loosely with aluminum foil.

3. 3

   Bake at 325u00b0 for 1 hour. Remove foil, and bake 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thigh registers 165u00b0, basting occasionally with pan juices and covering loosely with foil after 2 hours to prevent excessive browning, if necessary. Remove turkey from oven, reserving 2 cups pan juices for Apple-Bourbon Gravy. Let stand 20 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter. Serve with Apple-Bourbon Gravy.

4. 4

   *1 (12- to 14-pound) frozen whole turkey, thawed, may be substituted.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.