ROAST TURKEY WITH SAGE AND THYME

Steps:

• Remove and discard giblets and neck from turkey. Rinse turkey with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
• Loosen skin from turkey breast without totally detaching skin( sort of make a pocket). Stir together 2 tablespoons, butter, salt and pepper. Rub butter mixture evenly over turkey breast under skin. Carefully place sage leaves and thyme sprigs evenly on each side of breat under skin. Replace skin.
• Place pear halves, celery, onion, and garlic inside cavity. Place turkey breast side up, on a lightly greased wire rack in an aluminum foil lined shallow roasting pan. Rub entire turkey evenly with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
• Bake at 325F for 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°F Basting turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings. (Prevent overcooking by checking for doneness after 2 hours)Remove turkey from roasting pan, and let sand 20 minutes before slicing. Garnish.