Printer-friendly version

What You Need:

• 1 (12 lb.) whole turkey, thawed
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 orange, cut into wedges and remove seeds
• 2 tbsp. orange marmalade
• 1/4 C red currant jelly
• 1/2 tsp. anise seed, coarsely ground

How to Make It:

1. Set the oven temperature to 325 degrees and allow the oven to heat up while prepping the turkey.
2. Remove the giblets and neck, rinse the turkey with cool water and pat dry.
3. Salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity.
4. Place the orange wedges inside the cavity and fold the neck skin over the back of the turkey.
5. Spray a rack with a non stick cooking spray and place it in a shallow roasting pan.
6. Place the turkey on the rack being sure the legs are in a tucked position.
7. Roast the turkey 3 hours being sure to baste often with the juices in the bottom of the pan.
8. Place the orange marmalade and currant jelly into a microwave safe bowl.
9. Microwave on high 30 seconds or until the two melt together.
10. Add the anise seeds and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated together.
11. After 3 hours remove the turkey from the oven and baste the whole turkey with the marmalade mixture.
12. Return to the oven for 20 minutes or until the thigh temperature reaches 180 degrees.
13. Remove the turkey and let it rest 30 minutes before carving.

Serves 12

Basting the turkey every 15 to 30 minutes ensures that the turkey skin stays moist and doesn't overcook during the roasting process.