Flavorful Turkey

Nutrition per serving

Ingredients

• 12 lb turkey
• kosher salt
• ¼ cup fresh sage leaves
• 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves
• 6 cloves garlic
• 2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
• 2 Tbsp honey
• ¼ cup hot pepper paste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 2 Tbsp orange zest (from about 1 orange)

Instructions

1. Use kosher salt to thoroughly season the turkey, including the cavity and under the wings.
2. Place the turkey on a sheet tray with a rack and refrigerate overnight for a dry brine.
3. In a food processor, combine sage, thyme, rosemary, and pulse quickly.
4. Add softened butter and honey to the food processor.
5. Incorporate hot pepper paste, black pepper, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lemon zest, and orange zest into the mixture and blend until smooth.
6. Remove the turkey from the fridge and allow it to come to temperature.
7. Gently separate the skin from the meat and insert the compound butter under the skin, smothering the entire bird.
8. Preheat the oven to 315°F.
9. Roast the turkey for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 160°F.
10. Alternatively, smoke the turkey at 250°F.