Cider roasted turkey
- Recipe created by FabFood on Nov 22, 2010
- Permalink: http://sheknows.com/recipes/cider-roasted-turkey
- View more recipes by FabFood.
- Prep: –
- Cook Time: –
- Serving: –
This recipe for cider roasted turkey will have your Thanksgiving guests raving!
Ingredients
- Ingredients for brine:
- 1/2 gallon apple cider
- 8 whole cloves
- 8 allspice berries
- 8 sprigs thyme
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup kosher salt, see note
- 1/2 gallon water
- 8 cups ice
- 1, 18 to 23 pound turkey
- Ingredients for rub:
- 1/2 cup,1 stick, unsalted butter, softened but not melted
- 1 teaspoon flour
- 2 tablespoons minced, fresh sage
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme leaves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
Directions
- Directions for brine:
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, add all of the ingredients for the brine except for the water, ice, and turkey. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 minutes; remove from heat, add the water and ice.
- Stir until the brine is cooled to at least room temperature; add the turkey to the pot.
- The turkey should be completely submerged in the brine. (If the turkey does not fit in the pot, then use a brining bag). Cover with a lid and put in the refrigerator.
- Let the turkey brine for a minimum of 12 hours.
- Directions for rub:
- Combine all ingredients in small bowl and stir until mixture resembles a thick paste and all ingredients are well combined.
- Using your hands, carefully loosen the skin over breasts and thighs; remove any excess fat. Place 2 tablespoons mixture in between the skin and each section of breast meat; repeat this process with both thighs. Use any leftover mixture and evenly spread it over the top of the skin.
- Roasting directions:
- Place turkey, breast side up, on roasting rack. Place turkey into a preheated 350 degree F oven; cook turkey until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. This temperature should be taken at the thickest part of the breast meat. It will take 3 to 4 hours to cook depending on the size of the turkey and type of oven.
- If the turkey begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil; remove the foil the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Transfer the turkey to a cutting board or serving platter and let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

