1 (12 to 14-pound) Honeysuckle
White® Fresh Whole Turkey
Flavored Brine Solution:
1/2 gallon water
3/4 cup Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, plus more as needed
1/2 gallon apple juice or cider
1 cup maple syrup, warmed
3 tablespoons finely ground black pepper
1/4 cup crumbled fresh or dried sage leaves
1 small tea towel
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
Two days before meal:
Select container to hold
turkey comfortably, leaving at least 3 inches of space above
bird. Be certain container fits in refrigerator; remove shelf
if necessary.
Remove neck and packet
of innards and refrigerate if using for gravy, or discard. Place
turkey in container.
Mix water with kosher
salt, apple juice, maple syrup, black pepper and sage. Stir until
salt and syrup are dissolved. Pour brine over turkey.
If turkey is not fully
submerged, make additional brine -- 3 teaspoons kosher salt for
each quart of water -- and add until turkey is completely covered.
Cover container; transfer to refrigerator.
Evening before meal:
Drain turkey thoroughly,
cover loosely and refrigerate overnight.
Meal day:
One hour before cooking,
rinse turkey in cool water and pat dry with tea towel.
Fill both cavities with
dressing, being careful not to pack too tightly. Truss and set
turkey, breast side up, on rack in roasting pan.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
F. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Soak tea towel in butter until
completely absorbed. Cover entire breast area of turkey with
towel. Be sure legs are exposed. Drape aluminum foil loosely
over turkey.
Place turkey in oven and
immediately reduce heat to 325 degrees F. Roast 20 minutes per
pound, or until thickest part of leg reaches internal temperature
of 150 degrees F. About 1-1/2 hours before turkey is done, remove
aluminum foil and tea towel so that breast skin can brown.
Remove from oven and cover
loosely with aluminum foil. Let rest 30 to 60 minutes.
Carve and place on platter.
Makes 12 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 25.2oz/713.0g
Calories per serving: 975
Calories from fat 417
Total fat: 43 g
Saturated fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 327 mg
Sodium: 3097 mg
Carbohydrate: 38 g
Fiber Carbs: 1 g
Sugar Carbs: 36 g
Protein: 92 g
Recipe provided courtesy
of Honeysuckle White, a division of Cargill, Incorporated. Used
with permission.
