Orange and Maple Roasted Turkey

Orange and Maple Roasted Turkey

Brine:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup salt, kosher (Diamond Crystal brand)
10 black peppercorns, whole
1 medium orange, peeled and juiced
4 quarts water, cold
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs rosemary, fresh
4 sprigs thyme, fresh
2 carrots, peeled, cut to 2
2 white onions, peeled, cut to 2
2 ribs celery, peeled, cut to 2
12 pounds Honeysuckle White Whole Turkey (fresh or thawed)

Compound Butter:
1 pound unsalted butter, softened
2 oranges, juiced
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon rosemary, fresh and chopped
1/2 tablespoon thyme, fresh and chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

To brine: Combine all brine ingredients, except turkey, in large pot and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Chill brine in ice bath until cold. Place whole turkey into food service- safe grade container. Pour chilled brine over top to submerge. Close bag and cover. Marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator. Remove turkey from brine, drain excess liquid. Place vegetables and herbs in body cavity and secure.

Combine butter, orange juice, salt, pepper, maple syrup, rosemary, thyme and garlic in a large bowl. With fingers, slowly massage the compound butter into the skin of the turkey until well absorbed. Fold wings under the back of the turkey and return legs to the tucked position. Turkey may be cooked in a 325° F. to 350° F. oven or on a rotisserie.

If roasting in the oven, cook on a rack for approximately 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 170° F. in the breast and 180° F. in the thigh.

If cooking by the rotisserie method, thread turkey evenly on the rotisserie-spit fork using a counterweight to achieve an even balance. Place a drip pan in the center of the grill beneath the area where the turkey juices will drip. Cook the turkey over indirect medium heat in a covered rotisserie.

If cooking with charcoal, replenish briquettes with about 15 briquettes every hour, as needed, to maintain medium heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 170° F. in the breast and 180° F. in the thigh (about 3 hours). Allow turkey to rest for about 15 minutes. Remove vegetables and herbs from the cavity prior to carving. Place slices on a platter and garnish with oranges.

Makes 7 servings.
~*From Lanie's Kitchen*~