How do you make a turkey taste good?

it's my first this year and I know the cooking directions are on the package....

but how do you season/prepare it so it TASTES good.

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

I rub the turkey with butter (ok, so it's not the healthiest thing going) then sprinkle black pepper and garlic powder on it. Usually comes out pretty tasty.

I have also thrown some paprika on as well...

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

well its really up to your taste...for example you could put garlic butter under the skin and on top....or rosemary..whatever you prefer...I would just make sure you put it under the skin as well.

ETA: this is my first Thanksgiving hosting as well and I'm freaking out myself!

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

I put bacon slices (as per my hairdresser) over the top last year. It helps to moisten the turkey. You keep it on until it's cooked, but not until the turkey is done. After you take it off, you can crumble it up and put it in the mashed potatoes...yum!!

I actually just use Mrs. Dash for seasoning.

ETA...and I use butter too!

Message edited 11/19/2006 8:45:25 PM.

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

I know its not fancy, but I am a huge believer in the turkey bags. we put some olive oil, sazon, garlic, rosemary..throw it in the bag and leave it. comes out really good.

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

Last year my turkey came out the best.
Instead of rubbing butter on it, I actually put some pieces of butter UNDER the skin.. I know it sounds real fattning..lol. but the turkey came out SO moist and yummy.

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

stuff the cavity with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemons cut in half. Put butter on it also. YUMMY!!

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

I usually cut up onions, celery, carrots and also get fresh rosemary twigs and stuff them all in the cavity of the turkey. Then I put pats of butter and twigs of rosemary under the skin of the turkey. Sprinkle some salt/pepper on the outside.....and cover with foil for most of the cooking -- just remove it towards the end to brown it.

My cousin always puts a bottle of beer in the pan with the turkey --- pours it into the bottom of the roasting pan, and his turkey is always very good too.

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

These are some great ideas! Thanks! I am making the turkey for the first time this year!

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

i give the turkey a good rub with sofrito, both outside and INside too, along with butter, sazon, and fresh garlic.
mmmmmmmm moist moist moist, and TASTY!!!!

Re: How do you make a turkey taste good?

I put butter all over that gosh darned bird, then in a true British fashion, I lattice the top with bacon, this keeps it moist...

Or you could marinate it, thats how my dear old mother does it...