Recipe of the Day - Wild Turkey

 Wild Turkey Recipe: Savory and Delicious

Ingredients:

• 1 wild turkey (dressed and cleaned)
• 4 slices of bacon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
• Optional: additional herbs and vegetables for stuffing the turkey cavity

Instructions:

1. Prepare the turkey: Ensure the wild turkey is dressed and cleaned thoroughly. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
3. Season the turkey: Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. Combine the dried thyme, rosemary, and sage in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the turkey.
4. Stuff the turkey (optional): If desired, stuff the turkey cavity with additional herbs, chopped onions, minced garlic, and any other preferred stuffing ingredients. This adds flavor and moisture to the turkey.
5. Wrap with bacon: Lay the bacon slices over the breast and thighs of the turkey, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. The bacon helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
6. Place in a roasting pan: Set the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up. Add chopped onions and minced garlic around the turkey in the pan.
7. Baste with melted butter: Drizzle the melted butter all over the turkey, making sure to coat it evenly.
8. Roasting time: Calculate the cooking time based on the weight of the turkey (usually around 15-20 minutes per pound). Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey (typically the thigh) reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
9. Basting: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan drippings or additional melted butter. This helps to keep the turkey moist and enhances the flavor.
10. Resting: Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender turkey.
11. Carving and serving: Carve the turkey into slices and serve it with your preferred side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or gravy.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and age of the wild turkey, so it's essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. Enjoy your delicious wild turkey meal!