Disclosure: This post is sponsored in partnership with Canadian Turkey. However, all opinions are mine and 100% true.

Easter is right around the corner! I can hardly believe it’s so close but I’m really excited. I love spending time with the family, especially on holidays when Jackson and Jordan will have some time off school. I miss having them home during the week so I’m glad this holiday is fast approaching!

Now is the perfect time to discuss the perfect meal for Easter Dinner. In our house, we celebrate Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving with one thing always on our table: Canadian Turkey.

Turkey is my absolutely favorite with my husband’s homemade stuffing, and my kids look forward to it with me every single holiday! This Easter we are excited to put an Extra Crispy Roast Turkey on our plates.

We are a little behind where the Easter prep is concerned so this week I’m hoping to buckle down and get everything done. This year, and every year, my husband is in charge of the turkey and guess what? I’m in charge of decorating. This could get very pretty!

I could just sit at the table plain with no decorations and enjoy this Extra Crispy Roast Turkey just the same, but look how pretty it looks with a little bit of Easter decor. So cute. Nothing screams Easter family fun like a gorgeous turkey on the table ansd some gorgeous Spring/Easter decor. Don’t all the colors make you happy just looking at them?

Serves: 8 – 12
Prep time: 24 hrs.
Cook time: 4 ½ hrs.

Ingredients:

• 12 – 14 lbs. turkey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 ½ tsp dry ground sage
• 1 ½ tsp dry ground thyme
• 2 tbsp butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped carrots
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped celery
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped onions
• 1 cup turkey broth

Instructions:

1. Defrost the turkey according to package instructions or visit Canadianturkey.ca for proper thawing instructions and tips. Make sure the giblets have been removed.
2. At least 12, and up to 24 hours before cooking air-chill your turkey in the refrigerator. Air chilling will dry out the skin of the bird, making the skin extra crispy when cooked. To air chill, your turkey, place the bird on a baking sheet or baking pan large enough to hold the bird. Make sure the pan is deep enough to catch any drips or liquid. Place the turkey on a baking rack in the pan, so that air can circulate completely around the bird.
3. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
4. Once the turkey is ready to roast, spread the butter evenly over the breast.
5. Season the bird, inside and out, with the salt, pepper, olive oil and the herbs.
6. Stuff the cavity with the celery, carrots and onions.
7. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Roast for 3 ½ – 4 ½ hours or until the juices run clear and an instant thermometer reads 170°F (77°C) in the breast and 180°F (82°C) in the thigh when inserted into the thickest part of the meat. For more information on cooking times, visit canadianturkey.ca.
8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes.
9. Discard vegetables from the cavity and carve the turkey.

NOTE: Cooking times are for planning purposes only – always use a digital meat thermometer to determine doneness.

TIP: To create an extra juicy turkey breast, take an additional 2 tbsp of softened butter and spread generously under the skin and all over the breast before cooking.

For this, and other delicious recipes like it visit CanadianTurkey.ca

GIVEAWAY!

This month is a little different than last. The kind folks over at Canadian Turkey are offering up the chance for one (1) of YOU to win a $75 e-gift card for Hudson’s Bay (also redeemable at Home Outfitters and thebay.com) Please note: This giveaway is open to CANADIAN residents ONLY.

Are you looking forward to Easter? What are you most excited to have on your plate? Any Extra Crispy Roast Turkey fans out there?