Maple-Glazed Turkey

My family usually makes a ham for Christmas, but I prefer turkey. If you're like me, here's a delcious recipe for a maple-glazed turkey.

Maple-Glazed Turkey

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
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• 1/4 cup orange juice
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• 1 12- to 15-pound turkey, rinsed and dried well
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• 3 tablespoons olive oil
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• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
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• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
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• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
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• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
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• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
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• 1/2 cup dry vermouth
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• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Procedure

Heat oven to 450 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup and orange juice to make a glaze; set aside. Place the turkey in a large metal roasting pan, breast-side down. Rub the turkey with half the oil and sprinkle with half the salt and pepper. Turn the turkey over and carefully separate the skin from the breast. Combine the thyme, sage, and butter and spread it under the skin. Tie the legs together with cooking twine. Rub the surface of the turkey with the remaining oil and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Place the turkey in the oven. After 30 minutes, pour the orange-maple glaze over the turkey and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Continue roasting, basting with the pan drippings every 30 minutes. Roast the turkey for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reaches 165º F. Remove the turkey from the roasting pan and let rest, covered, for 15 minutes. Pour off the excess fat from the pan, add the vermouth, and cook over medium heat on the stovetop until the liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and simmer until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Carve the turkey and enjoy!