Sage Rub for Roast Turkey

I found this in the current issue of "Taste of Home" and tried this on my Christmas turkey. It turned out beautiful. The color, the smell, the taste--out of this world. And very easy! Enjoy! I personally prepare my stuffing in a pan outside the bird, but you can stuff the bird with a stuffing of your choice.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 20 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1 (13 lb)  turkey
• 3  tablespoons butter, softened
• 4  teaspoons salt
• 2  teaspoons pepper
• 1  teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1  teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Clean turkey, removing giblets.
2. Pat dry and put aside.
3. Combine the butter,salt, pepper, sage, and paprika.
4. Rub the sage mixture over the outside and inside of the turkey.
5. Truss turkey as usual.
6. Bake turkey at 350°F until meat thermometer reads 180°F.
7. Baste the turkey occasionally with drippings.
8. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.