Step 1

Thaw turkey according to the package. Remove neck and giblets from inside the turkey (we dispose of this, but feel free to keep and use as you like). Dry the inside and outside of the turkey.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350℉. Place turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack, in a 2” deep open roasting pan.

Step 3

Stuff turkey with onion, lemon, orange, apple and fresh herbs, if desired. Tuck wings by extending them and putting them under the turkey.

Step 4

Loosen the skin from the turkey breast and legs by sliding your fingers under the skin, starting by the neck, being careful not to tear it.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine 5 Tablespoons of softened butter and salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, and sage.  Lift the skin and rub the herb butter under the skin, covering the breast and legs.

Step 6

Spread the remaining 3 Tablespoons of softened butter over the skin of the turkey.  Season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper.

Step 7

Bake for 13-15 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer reads 180℉ in the thickest part of the leg.