Cider-Brined-and-Glazed Turkey

Ingredients for Cider-Brined-and-Glazed Turkey

• 3.8L apple cider, divided

• 1 1/2 cups kosher salt

• 1/4 cup whole allspice

• 8 bay leaves

• 3.8L cold water

• 450g turkey (neck and gizzard reserved)

• 475ml low-salt chicken broth

• 1/2 onion, quartered

• 1 celery stalk, cut into 4 pieces

• 8 fresh sage leaves

• 2 cups apple cider

• 110g (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 1800g Apple, Sausage, and Parsnip Stuffing with Fresh Sage

• 3 tablespoons plain flour

• 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves

• 1/4 cup applejack brandy or Calvados

• 60ml whipping cream

How to make Cider-Brined-and-Glazed Turkey

Simmer 0.9L apple cider, salt, allspice, and bay leaves in 20-quart pot 5 minutes, stirring often. Cool completely. Add remaining 2.8L cider and 3.8L water. Place turkey in brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Drain turkey and rinse. Arrange on several layers of paper towels in roasting pan. Refrigerate uncovered overnight.

Simmer all ingredients in large saucepan 30 minutes. Strain sage broth into bowl.

Boil cider in saucepan until reduced to 60g , about 15 minutes. Whisk in butter. Cool completely.

Set rack at lowest position in oven; preheat to 177°C. Remove paper towels from roasting pan. Pat main and neck cavities of turkey dry; stuff loosely with stuffing. Place turkey in pan, tuck wings under, and tie legs together loosely.

Roast turkey 1 hour. Brush with some of glaze. Roast until beginning to brown, about 1 hour. Cover with foil. Roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 79°C, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes and adding up to 240ml water to pan if drippings begin to burn, about 3 hours longer. Transfer turkey to platter; tent with foil. Let stand 30 minutes.

Pour pan juices into large measuring cup. Spoon off fat. Reserve 45ml fat and degreased juices. Pour sage broth into roasting pan. Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Combine flour, sage leaves, and reserved 45ml fat in heavy large saucepan; stir over medium heat 1 minute. Whisk in broth from roasting pan and reserved pan juices. Add applejack and cream and boil until gravy thickens slightly, whisking often, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Strain into sauceboat. Serve turkey with gravy.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.