Traditional Turkey

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. 2
   Place rack in the lowest position of the oven.
3. 3
   Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels.
4. 4
   Place the turkey breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan.
5. 5
   Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing.
6. 6
   Rub the skin with the butter and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7
   Position aluminum foil over the turkey.
8. 8
   Place turkey in the oven and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan.
9. 9
   Baste all over every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan.
10. 10
    Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten them, about 1 to 2 cups at a time.
11. 11
    Remove aluminum foil after 2 1/2 hours.
12. 12
    Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 180 degrees, about 4 hours.
13. 13
    Let it stand for at least 20 minutes before carving.