Orange and Maple Roasted Turkey with Giblet Gravy

[Kitchen Witch]

Orange and Maple Roasted
Turkey With Giblet Gravy

Ingredients:

* 3/4 cup pre-made Ket-OJ or sugar free orange Kool-Aid
* 1/4 cup low-carb maple syrup
* 1 (12-pound) fresh or frozen whole turkey, thawed
* 1 Tablespoon poultry seasoning
* 1 Tablespoon grated orange rind
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 small orange, quartered
* 1 medium onion, quartered
* Cooking spray
* 1 teaspoon butter
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 (10 1/2-ounce) cans chicken broth
* 2 Tablespoons pre-made Ket-OJ or sugar free orange Kool-Aid
* 2 teaspoons cornstarch or "not/Starch" [optional]
* 1 Tablespoon low-carb maple syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon grated orange rind
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* Fresh herbs (optional)

Combine 3/4 cup pre-made Ket-OJ or sugar free orange Kool-Aid and 1/4 cup low-carb maple syrup in a small saucepan; bring just to a boil. Remove from heat; set aside.

[Orange and Maple Roasted Turkey] Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove giblets (including liver) and neck from turkey, and set aside. Rinse turkey thoroughly with cold water, and pat dry. Tie ends of legs to tail with cord, or tuck flap of skin around tail. Lift wing tips up and over back, and tuck under bird. Sprinkle poultry seasoning, 1 tablespoon grated orange rind, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into the body cavity and onto the bird. Stuff cavity of turkey with orange quarters and onion quarters. Place turkey on a rack coated with cooking spray, and place rack on a broiler pan. Insert meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone.

Bake the turkey at 375°F for 45 minutes. Baste turkey with the "orange juice" mixture; cover turkey loosely with foil. Bake turkey an additional 2 hours and 15 minutes or until the thermometer registers 180°F, basting turkey every 30 minutes. Let turkey stand for 10 minutes; set the pan and drippings aside.

While turkey is baking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add reserved giblets and neck; saute 2 minutes or until browned on all sides. Add water and broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes. Add liver; simmer an additional 10 minutes. Remove giblets, neck, and liver from broth mixture; chop liver, and return to pan. Discard giblets and neck.

Add broth mixture to bottom of broiler pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Remove fat from surface with a spoon. Pour the broth mixture into a saucepan; add 2 tablespoons orange juice substitute and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk until well-blended. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until thick (Thicken with cornstarch or "not/Starch" -- optional.) Discard skin from turkey. Serve gravy with turkey; garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Serves 8-10. 3 net grams of carbohydrate per serving.