Roasted Turkey with Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Pears, and Shallots

Ingredients:

• For the Turkey:
  • 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
• For the Brussels Sprouts and Shallots:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 6 shallots, peeled and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Roasted Pears:
  • 4 pears, halved and cored
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Prepare the Turkey:
   1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
   2. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
   3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
   4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
   5. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves and onion quarters.
   6. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan.
2. Roast the Turkey:
   1. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
   2. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.
   3. If the turkey skin starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Shallots:
   1. While the turkey is roasting, prepare the Brussels sprouts and shallots.
   2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and shallots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   3. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the Pears:
   1. In another baking dish, place the pear halves cut side up.
   2. Drizzle with melted butter and honey, then sprinkle with ground cinnamon.
5. Roast the Vegetables and Pears:
   1. About 45 minutes before the turkey is done, place the baking sheet with Brussels sprouts and shallots and the baking dish with pears in the oven.
   2. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring the Brussels sprouts and shallots halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
6. Serve:
   1. Once the turkey is done, let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
   2. Arrange the carved turkey on a large serving platter and surround it with the roasted Brussels sprouts, shallots, and pear halves.
   3. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the turkey and vegetables for added flavor.

Tip:

• For extra flavor, you can brine the turkey overnight before roasting.
• You can also add other root vegetables like carrots and parsnips to the roasting pan for a more colorful and hearty side.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with Brussels sprouts, roasted pears, and shallots!