45–minute Roast Turkey

Ingredients

1 8- to 12-pound turkey

10 or more garlic cloves, lightly crushed

Several sprigs fresh tarragon or thyme or several pinches dried

cup extra virgin olive oil or melted butte

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Heat the oven to 450°F.

Put the turkey on a stable cutting board, breast side down, and cut out the backbone (use a heavy knife to cut on each side of the backbone, cutting from front to rear).

Turn the bird over and press on it to flatten.

Put it breast side up in a roasting pan that will accommodate it (a slightly snug fit is okay). The wings should partially cover the breasts, and the legs should protrude a bit.

Tuck the garlic and the herb under the bird and in the nooks of the wings and legs.

Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.

Roast for 20 minutes, undisturbed.

By this time the bird should be browning; remove it from the oven, baste with the pan juices, and return it to the oven. Reduce the heat to 400°F (or 350°F if it seems to be browning very quickly).

Begin to check the bird’s temperature about 15 minutes later (10 minutes if the bird is on the small side).

It is done when the thigh meat measures 155–165°F on an instant-read meat thermometer; check it in a couple of places.

Let the bird rest for a few minutes before carving, then serve with the garlic cloves and pan juices. (Or make gravy.) Or serve at room temperature.