This simple, yet flavorful bird has a delicious compound butter, made with fresh sage and garlic, spread beneath the skin prior to roasting.

Garlic-Sage Butter Basted Turkey

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 (12-pound) turkey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. In a bowl stir together softened butter, sage, and crushed garlic cloves; let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Wash turkey inside and out and dry thoroughly. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Work the skin loose from a turkey and spread the herbed butter mixture underneath.
4. Roast according to the label directions, or at 400°F (205°C) for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours until tender. Baste with any remaining herbed butter during roasting.

Makes 12 servings.