1 (16-18 lb) turkey
1/4 cup olive OR vegetable oil
2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp salt, divided
1 1/4 tsp pepper, divided
1 cup honey
1 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup butter OR margarine, melted
2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1 tsp rubbed sage
1 tsp dried basil

brush turkey with oil; tie the drumsticks together. place turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. combine the thyme, 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp pepper; sprinkle evenly over turkey. bake, uncovered, at 325° for 2 hours.

in a small bowl, combine the honey, corn syrup, butter, rosemary, sage, basil & remaining salt & pepper. brush over turkey. bake 2 hours longer or until a meat thermometer reads 180°, basting frequently with pan drippings. cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. cover & let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

16-18 servings