Christmas turkey

Preparation

Cut the onions into wedges.

Method

1. 1 Preheat your oven to 180 degrees or gas mark 4.
2. 2 Take the turkey out of the fridge either the night before or first thing in the morning so it’s up to room temperature.
3. 3 Remove the turkey from the packaging and remove the giblets from the back of the turkey.
4. 4 Remove the wishbone, this makes carving the breast meat a lot easier. Point a sharp knife into the turkey and then work in a rocking motion against the wishbone either side. Now slip your fingers in beside the bone where you can pull it away from the meat on either side.
5. 5 Massage the turkey skin with oil then add seasoning, pay particular attention to the top and legs.
6. 6 Cook the bird upside down, so that the breast meat stays moist and succulent.
7. 7 Cover it with foil then into the oven for approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the weight of the bird.
8. 8 Remove the foil and turn it breast side up for the last 30 minutes to get the delicious crispy skin.
9. 9 Remove from the oven and cover with foil and leave to rest for around 20-30 minutes.
10. 10 Remove the strings. Take off the wings and drive your knife through the centre of the bone.
11. 11 Then remove the legs. Slice down beside the breast and the leg meat. Prize it away with a fork and you hear it click out of the socket.
12. 12 Now take off the scrumptious breast meat, start with a very sharp knife down the centre and then work off to the left hand side of the breastbone.
13. 13 Rather than slicing it on the turkey, take the meat off of the carcass and slice it individually, your delicious Christmas turkey is ready to serve.