Hey there, food lovers! 🍂

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets a crisp edge, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm, comforting meal. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I felt inspired to share one of my all-time favorite healthy food recipes: Bourbon Glazed Turkey. It’s a dish that transforms a classic into something a little more… spirited, shall we say? 😉

Now, you might be thinking, “Bourbon? In a healthy recipe?” Oh, yes! Stick with me, and you’ll see how this subtle splash of bourbon, along with some thoughtful ingredient choices, can elevate your turkey game while keeping it lighter.

### Bourbon Glazed Turkey Recipe

#### Ingredients:
– 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs), thawed
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup bourbon (and maybe a sip for the chef!)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
– Zest of 1 orange

#### Instructions:

1. **Prep the Turkey:**
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Generously season with salt and pepper both inside and out. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up that love.

2. **Make the Glaze:**
In a saucepan, combine bourbon, honey, chicken broth, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Stir in the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and orange zest. Simmer over medium heat until it reduces slightly and smells like heaven—approximately 10 minutes.

3. **Time to Roast:**
Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Trust me, this keeps things nice and tidy. Brush the bird with some of that glorious glaze, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Pop it in the oven!

4. **Bake and Baste:**
Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with more glaze and any pan juices that accumulate. This keeps the meat tender and deliciously moist. You’re going to want to do this for about 3 to 3.5 hours or until a meat thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

5. **Rest and Carve:**
The hardest part—letting it rest! Once the turkey is out of the oven, tent it with foil and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes to keep those juices inside where they belong.

#### Tips & Tricks:

– **Choosing Bourbon:** Use a bourbon you love already—never cook with a booze you wouldn’t drink. The flavor will shine through!
– **Healthier Options:** Swap honey for agave syrup or reduce it if you’re watching your sugar intake.
– **Serving Suggestions:** Pair this turkey with some roasted veggies and a fresh green salad to keep it vibrant and healthy.

Fun fact: This Bourbon Glazed Turkey made a memory last Thanksgiving when Uncle Jerry insisted that the “secret ingredient” was a South American spice blend. Boy, did we have a laugh when I revealed it was just good ol’ Kentucky bourbon!

This dish is part of my ongoing quest to share Healthy Food Recipes that bring joy without the guilt. It’s all about finding the balance and sneaking in that flavor.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do. Let me know what your family thinks, or how you’ve put your own twist on this recipe. Sharing good food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, second only to sharing it with loved ones.

Until next recipe, keep those bellies full and happy cooking!

xoxo,
[Your Name]