As the crisp autumn air settles in and families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, the star of the feast is undoubtedly the turkey. This year, elevate your festive table with a mouth-watering, time-honoured turkey recipe that will leave your guests raving. Start with a high-quality, free-range bird, ideally around 5 to 6 kilograms, ensuring it’s well-rested from the refrigerator before roasting.

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). For extra flavour, create a herb butter by mixing unsalted butter with freshly chopped sage, thyme, and rosemary. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and massage the herb butter beneath, allowing the flavours to infuse during cooking. Don’t forget to season the cavity generously with salt and pepper and stuff it with aromatic ingredients like halved lemons, garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of herbs.

Place the turkey on a roasting tray and cover it loosely with foil to protect the skin from browning too quickly. Roast for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, basting it regularly with the pan juices. For the final 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the skin to turn a beautiful golden brown. Ensure the turkey is thoroughly cooked by checking that the juices run clear when pierced at the thigh.

Once removed from the oven, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving, allowing the juices to settle for the most succulent slices. Serve with all the traditional accompaniments—delicious stuffing, cranberry sauce, and steamed seasonal vegetables—all set to create a memorable Thanksgiving feast shared with loved ones.