Name: Brined Rosemary Crusted Turkey with Pan Gravy
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: ¾ cup kosher salt; ⅓ cup sugar; 2 Tbsp coriander seeds; 2 Tbsp fennel seeds; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 3 bay leaves; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 1 onion, diced; 1 12 to 14-lb turkey (free-range organic is great!); 3 sticks butter, at room temperature; 1 bunch fresh rosemary, finely chopped; kosher salt; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 2 ribs celery, cut into ½" dice; 2 large onions, cut into ½" dice; 1 large celery root, cut into ½" dice; 1 bulb fennel, cut into ½" dice; 5 bay leaves; 4 sprigs fresh sage, tied in a bundle; 1 bundle fresh thyme; kosher salt; 1 quart chicken stock, plus more if needed; ½ bottle dry white wine

Brined Rosemary Crusted Turkey with Pan Gravy

Yields

8-10 servings

A moist and juicy roasted turkey with a delicious pan gravy.

ingredients

Turkey Brine

cup kosher salt

⅓

cup sugar

Tbsp coriander seeds

Tbsp fennel seeds

tsp crushed red pepper flakes

cloves garlic, smashed

bay leaves

carrots, peeled and diced

ribs celery, diced

onion, diced

1 12

to 14-lb turkey (free-range organic is great!)

Rosemary Crust

sticks butter, at room temperature

bunch fresh rosemary, finely chopped

kosher salt

Gravy

cloves garlic, smashed

ribs celery, cut into ½" dice

large onions, cut into ½" dice

large celery root, cut into ½" dice

bulb fennel, cut into ½" dice

bay leaves

sprigs fresh sage, tied in a bundle

bundle fresh thyme

kosher salt

quart chicken stock, plus more if needed

bottle dry white wine

Ingredient Substitution Guide

directions

Step 1

Combine 8 quarts cold water, the salt, sugar, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, celery and onions in a large container. Immerse the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.

Step 2

Remove the turkey from the brine the night before roasting and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine the butter, rosemary and some salt in a small bowl. Taste it to make sure it tastes good. Work the butter under the skin of the turkey and massage it into the breasts and the legs. Massage the butter on the outside of the skin as well. Tie the legs together and over the breast so they will protect it during cooking to help keep it moist and juicy. Place the turkey on a sheet tray and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that’s right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Pay close attention not to have any food that will not be cooked near the turkey in the fridge.

Step 3

Thanksgiving Day: Take the turkey out of the fridge 1 hour before placing in the oven.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 450ºF.

Step 5

Place the garlic, celery, onions, celery root, fennel, bay leaves, sage and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Put the chicken stock and wine in the bottom of the roasting pan and place the turkey on top.

Step 6

Put the turkey in the oven until the skin of the turkey gets really nice and brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the heat of the oven to 350ºF for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan if needed. Think about 17 minutes per pound for the turkey. Tent the turkey with aluminum foil when it gets to the proper color to prevent it from getting too dark.

Step 7

Remove the turkey from the oven when a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey reads 160ºF. Be sure the thermometer is not touching a bone when doing the reading.

Step 8

When the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the roasting pan and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 9

To finish the gravy: Remove the bay leaves, sage and thyme and from the roasting pan. Using an immersion blender, blend the veggies together until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (it will).

Step 10

Carve the turkey, and don’t fight over the drumsticks.

Step 11

Give thanks for such a great turkey!!!

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Brined Rosemary Crusted Turkey with Pan Gravy