Perfect Turkey Recipe

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Nov 01, 2011 @ 4:44 PM
Posted by Jonathan Waxman, Special Contributor

Credit: Jonathan Waxman

Here's a simple recipe for the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, courtesy of chef Jonathan Waxman of Barbuto Restaurant in New York City.

Click here to see The Perfect Christmas Dinner.

INGREDIENTS

One 12-pound heritage turkey
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt and fresh pepper, to taste
1 orange, halved
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, halved
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon anise seeds
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon juniper berries
2 tablespoons sweet butter, preferably organic

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees, on convection, if available.

Prepare a sink big enough for the bird. Fill with hot water and 2 teaspoons salt. Wash the bird in hot water, pat dry, and let dry at room temperature.

Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a roasting pan. Sprinkle with a liberal amount of sea salt and fresh pepper. Lay the bird on top. Liberally season with sea salt and fresh pepper. Sprinkle with the remaining olive oil. Place the remaining ingredients inside the turkey's cavity.

Place in the oven, and roast for about 8-10 minutes per pound. You will need to baste every 20 minutes. Spin the turkey around every 20 minutes to help brown evenly.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 1 hour, covered with aluminum foil.