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Roasted Brined Turkey with Cider Gravy

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Roasted Brined Turkey with Cider GravyMcCormick Gourmet

Brine a turkey breast to add flavor and moistness. Pick up some local apple cider to make a flavorful gravy to serve with the turkey.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    24 hours+

  • Yield

    Serves 10

Ingredients

8 cups cold water
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup sugar
4 McCormick Gourmet™ Bay Leaves, Turkish
1 turkey breast, fresh or frozen, thawed (5 to 6 pounds)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, slightly softened
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Thyme
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Rosemary, Crushed
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Sage, Rubbed Dalmatian
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
6 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Thyme
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Rosemary, Crushed
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Sage, Rubbed Dalmatian
1/2 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
2 cups Kitchen Basics® Original Turkey Stock Substitutions
1 cup apple cider

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    For the Brined Turkey, mix water, apple cider, salt, sugar and bay leaves in 6-quart container or tall stockpot. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Place turkey breast in brine. if necessary, place a plate on top of turkey to keep it submerged. Refrigerate 12 to 24 hours.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from brine. Discard remaining brine. Rinse turkey under cool running water. Pat dry. Place turkey on rack in foil-lined roasting pan.

    Step 3

    Mix butter, thyme, rosemary and sage in small bowl until well blended. Rub 1/2 of the mixture under skin of turkey. Rub remaining mixture over entire surface of turkey. Cover loosely with foil.

    Step 4

    Roast 1 hour. Remove foil. Roast 1 to 1 1/2 hours longer or until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with pan juices. Remove turkey from oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let stand 15 minutes.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, for the Cider Gravy, melt butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Add flour and seasonings; cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Gradually whisk in stock and cider. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. Serve turkey with gravy.

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