The secret is there is no secret. These steps yield a flavorful, moist turkey every time: Spread butter under the skin, stuff loosely, season generously, and truss the legs.
Tuck wing tips underneath body of turkey.
Pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Salt and pepper inside of turkey.
With fingers, separate skin from turkey breast. Stuff softened butter under skin.
Loosely stuff large cavity of turkey (stuffing expands as it cooks).
Stuff neck cavity with a small amount of stuffing. Fold neck skin over opening.
Using kitchen twine, cross the legs together and tie them securely.
Season turkey generously all over with coarse salt.
Season turkey all over with freshly ground black pepper.
Put turkey into roasting pan. It's ready to roast.
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