Roasted Turkey with Maple Bourbon Glaze

Step 1

Make the Roasted Turkey: Preheat oven to 500 degrees F with a rack set at the lowest level. Pat turkey completely dry with paper towels, and place turkey on rack inside roasting pan.

Step 2

Place thyme, sage, apple and onion in turkey's cavity. Tuck turkey wings underneath the turkey. Liberally brush oil all over turkey.

Step 3

Transfer turkey to oven and cook 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue roasting about 2 to 2-1/2 hours (although it could be a little less!), until a probe thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the breast reaches 161 degrees F.

Step 4

Meanwhile, make the Maple Bourbon Glaze: Add butter, juice, bourbon, maple syrup and pepper to medium saucepot. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cook 24 to 28 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half, watching carefully to make sure mixture doesn’t boil over. Mixture should have a thin glaze consistency, and will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove from heat; set aside at room temperature.

Step 5

When turkey is finished cooking, remove from oven and brush with some Maple Bourbon Glaze. Transfer turkey to cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Let rest 30 minutes before carving and serving brushed with additional glaze.