There is nothing quit like the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven. This time of year with the holidays it seems to have an extra good smell. I think it is part of the ambiance of the season.
This recipe has been developed over several years continually trying to perfect it.
This year I think we nailed it.
This recipe is for a 20 – 24 pound turkey.
In a large pot bring 4 quarts water to a boil. Add 1 cup Kosher salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Stir to dissolve. Add 1 orange cut into chunks, 1-2 stalks of celery cut int large pieces,
2 tbsp Herbe de province and 1/4 cup dried onions into hot water mixture. Let cool. Pour into a 5 gallon container and add 2 quarts of ice.
Remove giblets and neck from your thawed turkey and place breast side down into cold brine.
Cover to keep submerged. Place in cold garage or refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
The longer the time the saltier the taste.
Remove turkey from brine and rinse thoroughly with cold water.
Pat dry inside and out with paper towel.
Stir together 1 orange cut into wedges, 1 medium onion cut into large pieces, 2 stalks celery cut into 1 inch chunks, 1 tbsp Herbe de province and 2-4 tbsp olive oil (enough to coat everything nicely). Stuff body and neck cavities.
Rub entire turkey with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tbsp Herbe de province.
Bake at 325 degrees until done. If it browns too much make a foil tent and cover. I like the turkeys that have tender timers. Every oven cooks differently and every cook has their own idea of doneness and how to determine it.
This method makes a tender and moist turkey to enjoy hot out of the oven or later for turkey sandwiches. Enjoy your holiday turkey any time of year.
Mary Ellen
Kelly @ Mum-bo-Jumbo says
December 30, 2014 at 2:58 pmBeing in Australia, turkey is rarely on the menu here because it is too hot! I am ashamed to admit I have never even attempted to cook one. Imagine my surprise when I received a Christmas hamper with a frozen turkey in it! This post has really helped me and I will use this as a guide when I eventually cook it. It might have to wait when it cools down a bit though – today hit 40 degrees C! (~102 degrees F)! Thanking you in advance for your help! #titus2tuesday #cornerstoneconfessions