Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
13.5
servings
0.5 cup

butter

melted

1 cup

madeira wine

3 tbsp

soy sauce

3 tbsp

worcestershire sauce

1 unit

lemon

cut in half

14 lb

turkey

1 unit

vegetable oil cooking spray

2 tbsp

cornstarch

0.25 cup

water

Step 1
~14 min

Melt the butter.

Step 2
~14 min

Combine the melted butter, Madeira wine, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of 1 lemon half in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 3
~14 min

Remove giblets and neck from the turkey; reserve for other uses.

Step 4
~14 min

Rinse turkey with cold water and pat dry.

Step 5
~14 min

Tie ends of legs to tail with cord if legs are not tucked under flap of skin. Lift wingtips up and over back, and tuck under bird.

Step 6
~14 min

Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.

Key Technique: Roasting
Step 7
~14 min

Rub the turkey with the other lemon half, squeezing juice over it. Spray the turkey with cooking spray.

Step 8
~14 min

Insert a meat thermometer into the meaty part of the thigh, making sure it does not touch bone.

Step 9
~14 min

Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes after the first hour with the Madeira mixture.

Key Technique: Basting
Step 10
~14 min

If the turkey starts to brown too much, cover it with aluminum foil.

Step 11
~14 min

When the turkey is 2/3 done, cut the cord or band of skin holding drumsticks to tail; this ensures the thighs are cooked internally.

Step 12
~14 min

The turkey is done when drumsticks are easy to move up and down. Let it stand for 15 minutes before carving.

Step 13
~14 min

Measure the remaining basting mixture and pan juices from the turkey.

Key Technique: Basting
Step 14
~14 min

For each cup of drippings, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water, stirring until smooth.

Step 15
~14 min

Stir the cornstarch mixture into the pan drippings.

Step 16
~14 min

Bring to a boil, boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Serve as gravy.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Brining the turkey beforehand will increase the moisture.

Letting the turkey rest is crucial for redistributing the juices.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

30 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Basting sauce can be made ahead of time.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
High
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Serve with roasted root vegetables.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Mashed Potatoes
Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Roasted Root Vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

North America

Cultural Significance

Traditional holiday meal, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Thanksgiving
Christmas

Occasion Tags

Thanksgiving
Christmas
Holiday Dinner

Popularity Score

75/100

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