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Are you as surprised as I am that it is almost turkey day? It’s time to get prepared so If you need a basic recipe for roasting your turkey you are on the right page. My Simple Roasted Turkey Recipe is simple enough for even a beginner to make. Come on, give the recipe a try. Nothing fancy here, just some good home-cooking.

Thaw the turkey. (I put my frozen turkey in the refrigerator 3 days before I plan I cooking it. Never thaw a turkey at room temperature!)
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavities. (If you want to make broth for the stuffing put the neck into a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 – 40 minutes, voilà, you have turkey broth!)
Rinse the turkey inside and out with water. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels.
Place the turkey into a roasting pan on a rack. (I lined my pan with foil for easy cleanup.)

Salt and Pepper the inside of the turkey.
Stuff the turkey with homemade stuffing recipe. (optional)
Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil. This will make the skin crispy.

Roast in a preheated 325° F oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound if stuffed. 15 minutes per pound if unstuffed.

Check occasionally to make sure the skin is not getting too brown. You can tent a piece of foil on top to keep it from burning the skin.
Check internal temperature by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, it is done when the temperature reads 165 F.
If a stuffed bird make sure the temperature center of the dressing while inside the turkey reads 165° F

Remove the turkey from the oven. Be careful, it will be hot and the pan will be heavy. Save the drippings for your gravy.
Remove the turkey and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Slice and serve. Enjoy!

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Bacon Wrapped Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Crispy Chicken Thighs with a Mushroom Garlic Sauce