Easy, Healthful Turkey- Provencal Style

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!

Look for this recipe in my upcoming book The Mediterranean Diabetes Cookbook.

Southern French Style Herb Roasted Turkey This Southern French style Turkey has become the crown centerpiece of my American Thanksgiving meal. The combination of herbs, garlic, spices, and lemon juice make a flavorful, moist turkey which is simple to prepare. Turkey should be roasted 20 to 25 minutes per pound Serves: 10 Serving Size: 1/4 pound turkey meat Ingredients: 1 (10 to 12 pound) turkey Salt Freshly ground pepper 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil divided 1 tablespoon herbes de Provence 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 whole head garlic, top chopped off 2 lemons, halved 1 sprig fresh rosemary 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 sprig fresh sage Preparation: 1. Preheat oven to 425F degrees. Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to grease the bottom of a large roasting pan. 2. Wash and dry the turkey thoroughly. Season it with salt and pepper on the inside and out. 3. Place turkey breast side up in the pan. Brush the turkey with the olive oil. 4. Sprinkle herbes de Provence and poultry seasoning on turkey and rub into skin with your hands. 5. Place whole garlic head, 1 lemon half, rosemary, thyme, and sage inside the cavity. 6. Squeeze lemon juice from remaining lemon half over the top of the turkey. 7. Place turkey in the oven, add a cup of water to the bottom of the pan, and roast for 1 hour, uncovered. 8. Baste turkey after the first hour of cooking. If turkey looks very brown, cover it with aluminum foil. Continue to bake for another 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey breast meat reads 180F on a meat thermometer. 9. Remove from the oven and place on a carving board. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving. 10. Strain the liquid from the bottom of the pan into another saucepan. 11. Add lemon juice to the saucepan and stir. 12. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until sauce has reduced. 13. Taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve sauce in a gravy boat next to turkey. Healthy Living Tradition: Much leaner than red meat, turkey doesn’t need to be saved for Thanksgiving. Serve this delicious roast whenever you have a large gathering.