Turkey Day Delight!

We love to cook for people, we love to cook for people we love, and Thanksgiving gives us ample opportunity to stuff our loved ones faces with delights.

Here is Sonya's recipe for a turkey made with love.

Have a great Turkey Day everyone.

Sonya’s Maple Brined Turkey

1 large Natural Turkey

For Brine:

2c Kosher salt

1c Maple syrup

2 Bunches o thyme

Whole black peppercorns

1 T Juniper berries, crushed

4 bay leaves, crushed

12 Peeled garlic cloves

2 Whole Lemons, cut in half & squeezed

For Roasting:

2 lemons

ghee (clarified butter)

Chicken Stock (or Turkey Stock if you can find it)

Rinse turkey in cool water, place in stockpot & let rest in refrigerator.

In a separate sauce pan on medium heat, simmer about 8 quarts water, 2 cups kosher salt & 1c maple syrup in pot until salt and syrup dissolves.

Remove turkey from stock pot & fill about ¼ of the way with ice, fresh thyme, peeled garlic cloves, juniper, bay, lemon and whole black pepper. Pour brine over ice & add the bird.  The turkey should be covered with brine. Refrigerate pot with turkey in brine at least 12 hours (24 is best!).

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Drain turkey well; discard brine. Pat turkey dry inside and out. Squeeze juice from lemon halves into main cavity. Add lemon rinds and remaining 1 bunch fresh thyme to main cavity. (I love to use preserved meyer lemons here if you have any)  Tuck wings under turkey; tie legs together. Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan. Rub turkey all over with clarified butter.
Roast until turkey is deep brown and thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180°F, about 2 ½- 3 hours. Transfer turkey to platter and cover with foil and let stand for at least 30 minutes.

Pour pan juices into large glass bowl. Put bowl into fridge (or freezer) to harden fat, then scrape it off with spoon.  Simmer pan juice with chicken stock until reduced to ½ the amount. Salt & Pepper to taste  & spoon over turkey (or just make a gravy, whichever you decide, make sure to use the pan drippings! Enjoy!!)