Joel's Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey from Homemade Live!

White oval platter topped with a roasted turkey on a bed of greens with orange slices on the side. — Host Joel Gamoran prepares Joel's Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey on *Homemade Live!*, Season Three, Episode One ("Talking Turkey.")

Joel graduated from the University of Connecticut with a major in Restaurant Management and Communication and then pursued culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America and the Culinary Institute of Florence, Italy. After gaining experience in various restaurants, Joel discovered a passion for inspiring others to cook. He served as the National Chef at Sur La Table for a decade and appeared on NBC's Today Show, Sesame Street, and Good Morning America. His first TV show, Scraps, aired on A&E, and he published a cookbook, Cooking Scrappy. On Homemade Live!, Joel is joined by members of his family and some of his celebrity friends as they cook, laugh, and make some new homemade memories.

November 17, 2025

On Season Three of Homemade Live!, host Joel Gamoran is joined by Chef Lidia Bastianich who shares her journey from immigrant to icon in the episode “Talking Turkey.” They explore the versatility of turkey, including Joe’s ultimate roasted turkey recipe which can be used year-round.

INGREDIENTS

1 Whole Jennie-O turkey (12-14 pounds)
2 large oranges, quartered
4-5 star anise pods
12 tablespoons (1 1⁄2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 handful of fresh tarragon sprigs
1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Giblets from the turkey

TO PREPARE

STEP ONE. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius.) Pat the turkey dry, remove and reserve the giblets, and set them aside.

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STEP TWO. Stuff the turkey cavity with quartered oranges, star anise, and fresh tarragon. Rub the turkey all over with melted butter, salt, and pepper.

STEP THREE. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Arrange the giblets around the turkey in the pan. Pour the broth into the pan.

STEP FOUR. Roast the turkey, basting every 30-45 minutes. Cook for 13-15 minutes per pound until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius.)

STEP FIVE. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Use the roasted giblets for gravy.