Homestyle Turkey

1 turkey (ours was 18 lbs this year)

6 T butter/margarine, divided into six 1 T pats

4 c warm water

3 T chicken bouillon

2 T dried parsley

2 T dried minced onion

2 T seasoning salt (or whatever mix you like - rosemary, garlic, sage...)

Preheat oven to 350F. Rinse and wash turkey. Discard giblets.

Place turkey in roasting pan. Separate the skin over the breast (just cut a little slit) in 6 places, 3 on each breast, and slip a pat of butter in each to moisten the white meat.

In a medium bowl, combine the water, bouillon, parsley and onion. Pour or spoon over the top of the turkey. I like to use a spoon so all the herbs don't wash off the turkey - I think it looks prettier with some on the top. I also pour some into the butter slits. Sprinkle seasoned salt over the turkey.

Bake about 45 min to 1 hour to brown and then cover it with foil. Bake 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until temp reaches 180F.

I strain the liquid into a saucepan, add 2 cups water and enough flour to thicken (4 T or so) and boil to make gravy. You need to dilute with water because otherwise the gravy is salty from the salt and the stock.