1 (12-14 lb.) turkey
Salt & freshly ground pepper
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. apple cider

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove giblets, rinse turkey; pat dry. Salt and pepper inside and out turkey. Place on rack in roasting pan with breast up. Insert meat thermometer into thickest of thigh without touching bone. Pour 1 cup water in pan. Spread butter over bird. Baste with some of the apple cider. Loosely cover with foil and roast 2 1/2 hours. Remove foil. Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Roast uncovered until done (about 1 hour) basting often with apple cider.

To test for doneness meat thermometer should be 180 degrees or juices should run clear when thigh is pierced with fork. Remove from oven and allow to stand 20 minutes before carving.