Roast Turkey with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

In a large baking dish, stir together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, sage and the 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place the turkey breast in the dish and rub the mixture over the entire surface of the turkey breast. Cover and refrigerate overnight, basting a few times with the marinade.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the breast on a rack in a roasting pan, season lightly with salt and pepper and pour 1 cup of the chicken stock over the breast and into the bottom of the pan. Roast, basting with the pan juices every 5-10 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 165 degrees F, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Check the pan periodically during roasting and add the remaining 1 cup stock to the pan as it becomes dry. Transfer the breast to a warmed serving platter and cover with aluminum foil while you make the gravy.

To make the gravy, place the roasting pan on the stove top over high heat, add the water and deglaze the pan by stirring to dislodge any browned bits on the pan bottom. Boil until the liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk constantly until the flour is absorbed and the mixture is bubbling and golden, 2-3 minutes. Add the reduced drippings and warmed chicken stock and continue to whisk until thickened, 7-10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Snip and discard the string from the turkey breast. Slice the meat and serve on warmed individual plates. Place a mound of mashed potatoes alongside and drizzle the gravy over the turkey and potatoes. TURKEY (allow 1 1/4 pounds per person)
Unstuffed: 12 minutes per pound
Stuffed: 16 minutes per pound
Initial interval: 450 degrees for 30 minutes
Second step: lower heat to 375 degrees and continue to roast