Turkey in a Paper Sack

This really isn't a recipe site but since it is Thanksgiving and I have an easy—and delicious—recipe for turkey, I thought I would share.

Turkey in a paper sack only sounds odd until you've had it. The paper sack keeps the turkey moist and you can remove the sack for the last few minutes of cooking time if you'd like to crisp up the skin. (And yes, the paper sack is a sack you might get at the grocery store (preferably without any printing on it) And no, the sack doesn't catch on fire in the oven. (I guess a disclaimer goes here not to take my word about that. But in all the years I've done it I've never had any issues.)

This year I have a 16 pound organic Turkey. Prep is easy, wash and pat dry with paper towels, butter the turkey all over, add salt and pepper and put it in a plain paper sack. Fold down the top, securing it with paper clips or even staples and set in a baking pan. That's it!

Preheat the oven to 325 F and find the recommended cooking time for your turkey's weight. For 16 pounds I'm trying 4 hours. Then I plan to take it out of the paper sack and put it back in the oven to finish baking (if the internal temp hasn't reached 165 degrees F) and to add the pretty, brown crispiness to the skin.

I'm always leery with poultry. It's not worth taking a chance of eating undercooked turkey and possibly getting sick. Always make sure your bird is fully cooked.

Happy Thanksgiving!