By Kristi O’Toole

Welcome to my 24 days of turkey! Between now and Thanksgiving I’ll be sharing turkey recipes.

Ingredients:

1 12-14 lb. turkey, thawed (if frozen)
2 heads garlic, halved horizontally through the equator
1 lemon, halved
4 small onions, quartered

14 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp. olive oil
kosher salt
2 large carrots, cut into 2-in. pieces
2 stalks celery, cut into 2-in. pieces
3/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
Fresh herbs, for serving

Directions:

1)Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Working on a baking sheet, remove the giblets and neck of the turkey from the cavities. Reserve the neck and discard the giblets. Using paper towels, pat the turkey dry. Stuff the garlic, lemon, half the onions and 10 sprigs thyme into the main cavity.
2)Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Tuck the wing tips underneath the body (this will prevent them from burning). Rub the turkey with the oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt.
3)Place the turkey neck, carrots, celery, the remaining onions and the remaining thyme in a large roasting pan. Place a roasting rack in the pan and put the turkey on top of it.
4)Roast the turkey until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F, 21/2 to 3 hours. (Cover the bird loosely with foil if it browns too quickly, and add the broth to the pan if the vegetables begin to scorch.)
5)Carefully tilt the turkey to empty the juices from the cavity into the pan. Transfer the turkey to empty the juices from the cavity into the pan. Transfer the turkey to a carving board. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for at least 25 minutes. Reserve the pan and its contents for gravy. Carve the turkey and garnish with herbs as desired.

Kristi stays busy with her writing, shoe designing and Pampered Chef business so she knows how precious time can be; she also knows how important eating healthy and showing your children life beyond fast food can be. The Pampered Chefs Happy Families segment is designed with busy lives in mind. The recipes presented will be fast, easy and affordable to everyone. The tools you need to complete these meals can be found on her personal website.

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