- Fresh herbs (1/4 cup chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage from brine)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, for brushing)
- Apple Cider Gravy Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey drippings (3 tablespoons)
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, for thickening)
- Apple cider (1/2 cup)
- Chicken broth (1 cup)
- Fresh thyme (a few sprigs, optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced apples
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Steps
### Brined Herb Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy: A Perfect Holiday Delight
#### Introduction:
Brining your turkey is a must to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful throughout cooking. Pairing it with an herb crust enhances its natural taste while apple cider gravy adds a rich, comforting twist. This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect holiday centerpiece.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 8 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 lemons, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 apples, cored and halved (for apple cider gravy)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Steps for Making the Brined Herb Crusted Turkey:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the turkey in a large refrigerator-safe container.
2. **Brine Solution:**
- In a large pot, combine water, salt, brown sugar, honey, rosemary, garlic, lemon wedges, and onion.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Remove from heat and cool the brine to room temperature.
3. **Brining:**
- Pour the cooled brine into the container with the turkey, ensuring it is submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
4. **Herb Crust:**
- Before roasting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix herbs of your choice (like rosemary, thyme, parsley) with softened butter.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure it covers the entire surface.
5. **Roasting:**
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and tie the legs together.
- Roast for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste occasionally with pan juices to keep it moist.
#### Apple Cider Gravy Recipe:
1. **Turkey Pan:**
- After roasting, remove the turkey from the oven and let rest.
- Skim any excess fat from the pan drippings in a small saucepan.
2. **Gravy Preparation:**
- Add 6 cups of chicken broth to the pan with the remaining juices.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly reduced.
3. **Thickening:**
- Mix flour and apple pie spice in a small bowl.
- Gradually stir this mixture into the broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Finishing Touches:**
- Stir in diced apples and cook for an additional minute.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
#### Serving:
- Carve your turkey and serve alongside the rich apple cider gravy.
- Garnish with extra rosemary or thyme sprigs for a festive touch.
### Conclusion:
This Brined Herb Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy is a holiday feast that stands out. By following these detailed steps, you can create a dish that not only looks impressive but also tastes heavenly. Enjoy the flavors and aromas of this delicious turkey, perfect for your special occasions!
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