Add some spark to your Thanksgiving meal by making a turkey that features an amazing maple glaze. Fall is the perfect time to add maple syrup to your favorite recipes. In this case the syrup is combined with tangy orange juice, which gives the turkey a sweet citrus flavor. If you've been looking for a simple recipe to try this holiday season, consider this:

Basting Makes All the Difference

The key to having your turkey come out moist and delicious is to baste it every half hour or so. You may want to use a timer to keep track of basting times. It is too easy to get distracted by people coming and going and forget this important step.

by Sharon Mollerus

Maple Glazed Turkey

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• (12 to 15 pound) Turkey, rinsed and dried well

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

• 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

• 1/2 cup dry vermouth

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

• Combine the maple syrup and the orange juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

• Place the turkey in a large metal roasting pan, breast side facing down. Rub 1/2 of the olive oil on the turkey. Sprinkle the turkey with half of the salt and pepper.

• Turn the turkey over. Separate the skin from the breast.

• In a small bowl, combine the thyme, sage and the butter. Spread the butter mixture underneath the turkey skin.

• Tie the legs of the turkey together with the twine.

• Rub the surface area of the turkey with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the turkey. Place the turkey in the oven and cook for 30 minutes.

• Pour the maple orange glaze over the whole turkey. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Place the turkey back in the oven. Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 30 minutes.

• Cook the turkey for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.

• Remove the turkey from the roasting pan. Keep the foil cover on and let it rest for 15 minutes. Pour the excess fat from the pan. Place the pan on top of the stove.

• Add the vermouth. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes or until the pan liquid is reduced by half. Add in the chicken broth. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Carve the turkey. Serve with pan gravy.

Vermouth Substitute

Vermouth is a dry white wine flavored with aromatic herbs. If there is none on hand, substitute it for another dry white wine. Or, you can use chicken broth.

Enjoying Your Holidays this Season

This maple glazed turkey is simple to make and is a truly delicious alternative to plain roasted turkey. Prepare the gravy in the pan after roasting. Serve this with a complimentary herb stuffing. With a simple and tasty meal like this, everyone is sure to remember your turkey and request that you make this recipe again.

Find the Right Home to Prepare Your Holiday Meal This Year