Lemon and Thyme Roast Turkey

Ingredients

• 13lb turkey, oven ready
• ½ cup soft butter
• 1 lemon
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 2 small onions
• 6 bay leaves
• Bunch sage leaves

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. 2
   Loosen the skin over the breast of the turkey by slipping your fingers between the flesh and skin at the neck end, leaving the skin attached at the cavity end. Spread two thirds of the softened butter over the top of the breast under the skin, holding the skin up. Slip in lemon slices and sprigs of thyme, under the skin.
3. 3
   Fill the body cavity with the onions and herbs, including the onion skins and the lemon trimmings. Tie the legs with string to give a neat shape. Tuck the wings under the back of the bird. Lightly butter the skin of the turkey with remaining butter, season with a little salt. Sit the turkey on a rack in a large roasting tin.
4. 4
   Cook the turkey in the preheated oven for about 2-2 1/4 hours until golden brown, basting from time to time. You may need to cover the bird with foil if it is getting too brown. Take the turkey out of the oven and check if it is cooked. If using a meat thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the thigh and the thermometer should read 165 F. Alternatively, if you do not have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a small sharp knife. If the juices are clear, then the turkey is done; if they are still tinged with pink, then roast for a little longer. Ovens do vary, so it may take a little longer.
5. 5
   Once out of the oven, cover with foil and lots of tea towels and rest for 1½ hours. Turn back the foil and drain off any surplus juices from the tin into a jug. Leave the fat to rise to the top in a cold place ready to make the gravy.
6. 6
   Carve into thin slices and serve.