Yields:
8 - 10 serving(s)
Prep Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
5 hrs 40 mins
Jump to recipeSeasonal flavors like rosemary, orange, and maple syrup are used in this delectable roast turkey recipe. Note: Add brining to the total time.
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Ingredients
For the Brine:
- 2
12 1/2-ounce bottles pure maple syrup (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup
kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp.
tricolor peppercorns
- 5
bay leaves
- 5
garlic cloves, minced
- 4
sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped off
Peel of 3 large oranges, cut into large strips
Peel of 4 apples (2 red, 2 green)
For the Turkey:
- 1
12- to 14-pound turkey, thawed if frozen (neck and giblets removed)
- 2
sticks salted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup
pure maple syrup
Directions
- Step 1For the brine: Combine the maple syrup, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, rosemary, orange and apple peels and 12 cups water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt, then turn off the heat and cover. Let cool completely, about 1 hour, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 more hour.
- Step 2For the turkey: Place the turkey in a large brining bag or large pot. Pour the brine over the turkey and add enough cold water to cover. Refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
- Step 3When ready to roast, preheat the oven to 275 ̊. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Place breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the body, then tie the legs together with kitchen string. Cover the pan with heavy-duty foil and roast for about 10 minutes per pound (so, about 2 hours for a 12-pound turkey).
- Step 4Remove the turkey from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 375 ̊. Uncover the turkey and brush with some of the melted butter, getting it into all of the crevices. Insert a meat thermometer into the thigh, near the hip joint. Return to the oven, uncovered, and continue roasting, brushing with more butter every 30 minutes, until the thermometer reaches 165 ̊ to 168 ̊, 1 to 1 1/2 more hours. About 15 minutes before the turkey is done, brush with the maple syrup.
- Step 5Remove the turkey from the oven and tent with foil until you are ready to carve it, at least 20 minutes. Reserve the pan drippings for the gravy.
Make-ahead tip: Make the brine up to 5 days in advance. Let cool completely and refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
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