Fresh Thyme-Rubbed Turkey with White Cranberry Baste

1 (12 pound) turkey
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups Ocean Spray White Cranberry Juice Drink
1/4 cup butter, melted

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Season turkey with salt and pepper and rub with thyme. Place on rack in shallow roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of the cranberry juice into the bottom of the pan.

Combine 1/2 cup of the cranberry juice and butter in a small bowl and generously brush over turkey.

Bake 20 minutes and brush with cranberry mixture. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Bake an additional 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours or until temperature reaches 175 degrees F in thickest point, brushing with cranberry mixture every 30 minutes. Cover with foil if browning too quickly towards the end. Add remaining 1 cup cranberry juice during baking if pan becomes dry. Drippings can be used for making gravy.

Makes 8 servings

Recipe and photograph courtesy of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.