Stuffed Turkey

1. Stage

Preheat the oven to 325°. In a large skillet, saute the onions, celery and mushrooms in butter until tender. Add the broth and seasonings, and mix well. Place the stuffing cubes in a large bowl. Add mushroom mixture and toss to coat. Stir in enough warm water to reach the desired moistness.

2. Stage

Just before baking, loosely stuff the turkey with the prepared stuffing. Place any remaining stuffing in a greased baking dish, which should be covered and refrigerated until ready to bake. Editor's Tip: If you decide to bake the stuffing separately from the turkey, place all of the stuffing in a greased baking dish (or two dishes if you don't have one large enough to fit the entire recipe). Bake the stuffing according to the directions below.

3. Stage

Skewer the turkey openings, and tie the drumsticks together with kitchen string.

4. Stage

Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with the remaining salt. Bake the turkey, uncovered for 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165° when inserted in the center of the stuffing and the thigh reaches at least 170°. Baste the turkey occasionally with pan drippings as it cooks. Cover the turkey loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.

5. Stage

Bake the additional stuffing, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for 10 minutes longer or until lightly browned.

6. Stage

Cover the turkey with foil and let stand for 20 minutes before removing the stuffing and carving. If desired, thicken the pan drippings for gravy.