Best Apple Scented Roast Turkey With Cider Calvados Gravy Recipes

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ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE-CIDER GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Apple-Cider Gravy image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 gallons water
2 cups kosher salt
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 garlic head, split
1 1/2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons juniper berries
3 bay leaves
1 (10 to 12-pound) turkey
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
1/2 apple, cored and coarsely chopped
1 small parsnip, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 small quince, cored and coarsely chopped, optional
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley with stems
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon juniper berries
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a pot large enough to hold the turkey, combine all of the brine ingredients and stir. Add the turkey to the pot, cover, and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours. Remove the turkey from the pot, discard the brine, and rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
  • Combine the onion, celery, apple, parsnip, quince, herbs, and spices in a bowl and toss. Spoon into the cavity of the turkey.
  • Truss the turkey, tying its legs together tightly with kitchen twine. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, place in the oven, and roast for 2 1/2 hours.
  • Uncover the turkey and reserve the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Brush the turkey with half of the melted butter and cook for 30 minutes. Brush on the remaining butter and continue cooking for about 1 hour and 15 minutes longer, basting every 30 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 150 degrees. (The internal temperature will rise 10 degrees while the turkey rests).
  • Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Pour off the fat from the roasting pan. Spoon the vegetables from the cavity of the turkey into the pan; cover the turkey loosely with the reserved foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the gravy: Add the butter to the roasting pan with the vegetables. Place the pan over medium heat, using 2 burners if necessary. Use a wooden spoon to stir and brown the vegetables lightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cider, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the turkey drippings. Transfer the gravy to a 3-quart saucepan, add the chicken stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour any juices that have accumulated around the turkey into the pan and continue cooking for 1 more minute. Season with the salt and pepper. Strain the gravy into a warm sauceboat.
  • Carve the turkey and serve with gravy.

CIDER-BASTED TURKEY WITH ROASTED APPLE GRAVY



Cider-Basted Turkey with Roasted Apple Gravy image

Categories     Fruit Juice     Fruit     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Apple     Winter     Calvados     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Turkey:
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup Calvados or applejack (apple brandy)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, 2 cut into quarters, 8 cut into 8 slices each
1 large onion, sliced
6 fresh thyme sprigs
8 large sage leaves
1 15- to 16-pound turkey
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup (or more) water
Gravy:
2 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F. Combine first 5 ingredients in small saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; bring liquid to boil. Set liquid aside.
  • Mix 2 quartered apples, onion, thyme, sage leaves and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in large bowl.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry. Sprinkle main cavity with salt and pepper. Spoon apple mixture into main cavity. Tuck wing tips under turkey; tie legs together loosely. Place turkey in large roasting pan. Rub turkey breast and legs with butter. Pour half of basting liquid over turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast turkey 30 minutes. Pour remaining basting liquid over turkey. Roast 2 hours, basting frequently with pan juices and adding 1 cup (or more) water to pan if juices have evaporated. Add all apple slices to pan juices around turkey. Cover turkey loosely with foil to keep from browning too quickly. Continue to roast until apples are tender, turkey is deep brown and thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, basting frequently with pan juices, about 1 hour 30 minutes longer.
  • Transfer turkey to platter. Tent loosely with foil; let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will increase 5 to 10 degrees).
  • For gravy:
  • Using slotted spoon, transfer apples from pan juices to bowl. Pour pan juices into 4-cup measuring cup. Spoon off fat and discard. Add enough chicken broth to pan juices to measure 4 cups. Transfer broth mixture to large saucepan; simmer 5 minutes. Add reserved apples; simmer 2 minutes. Mix apple cider and cornstarch in small bowl. Whisk into gravy. Boil until gravy thickens, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Discard mixture from turkey cavity. Serve turkey with gravy.

BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT5h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

7 quarts water
1 quart apple cider
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large onion, diced
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 head garlic, cut in 1/2 equatorially
1/2 bunch fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 bay leaves
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, free range organic is great!
1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 bunch fresh sage, leaves finely chopped
3 sticks butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bunch thyme
Kosher salt
1 quart chicken stock, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • To brine the turkey: Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large container. Add the turkey and let it brine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • To prepare the turkey for cooking: Remove the turkey from the brine the night before roasting and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine the rosemary, sage, and butter for the herb crust in a small bowl. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Work the butter under the skin of the turkey and massage it into the breasts and the legs. Massage the butter on the outside of the skin as well. Tie the legs together over the breast so they will protect it during cooking and help keep it moist and juicy.
  • Gravy preparation: Put the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, apples, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Arrange the turkey on top of the veggies and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that's right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Make sure that there is no raw food near the turkey in the refrigerator. After refrigerating overnight, the turkey is ready to go in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Put 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup apple cider in the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the skin gets really nice and brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350 degrees F for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan, if needed. Cook about 17 minutes per pound. Once it gets to the proper color, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey registers 160 degrees F. Make sure that the thermometer is not touching a bone when doing the reading. When the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the roasting pan to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Strain all the veggies over a bowl to separate them from the stock/mixture. Discard the veggies. Skim off the fat and add it to the roasting pan. This is the fat for the roux. Put the roasting pan over 2 burners and over a low heat and whisk in the flour. Cook until the mixture looks like wet sand, about 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 cup apple cider, remaining chicken stock and the stock/cider mixture. Cook until the mixture has thickened and reached a gravy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into a serving pitcher or bowl.
  • Carve the turkey, transfer to a serving platter and serve with the gravy.
  • Give thanks for such a great turkey!!!

ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE-BRANDY GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Apple-Brandy Gravy image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 13h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 16-to-18-pound turkey
1 Granny Smith apple, roughly chopped
2 onions, roughly chopped
2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
1 lemon, halved
1 bunch thyme (about 20 sprigs)
2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup apple brandy (such as Calvados or applejack)
1 12-ounce bottle hard apple cider
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Combine the salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and the sugar in a small bowl. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and reserve for the gravy (discard the liver). Transfer the turkey to a rimmed baking sheet and pat dry. Season the skin and inside the cavity with the salt mixture. Refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.
  • Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and rinse off the salt mixture; pat dry. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Place the apple, half of the onions, 2 garlic halves, the lemon and about 10 thyme sprigs in the cavity of the turkey; tie the legs together with twine and place breast-side up in a roasting pan. Melt 2 sticks butter with 6 thyme sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat. Divide the melted butter in half. Brush the turkey with half of the melted butter and tent with foil. Transfer to the oven and roast 3 hours.
  • Meanwhile, combine the chicken broth, bay leaves, reserved neck and giblets, and the remaining chopped onion, 2 garlic halves and 4 thyme sprigs in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and simmer until reduced to about 4 cups, about 1 hour. Strain into a clean saucepan; set aside for the gravy.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Divide the remaining melted butter in half (remelt if necessary). Uncover the turkey and brush with half of the melted butter. Return to the oven and continue roasting until browned and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Stir the honey into the remaining melted butter and brush all over the turkey; roast 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven, transfer to a cutting board and brush with any remaining honey butter; let rest 30 minutes before carving.
  • Meanwhile, make the gravy: Pour out the fat from the roasting pan and discard. Set the roasting pan on 2 burners over medium-high heat; add the apple brandy and hard cider. Cook, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon, until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add the reserved chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Mix the flour and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small bowl to make a paste; whisk into the roasting pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until thickened, about 25 minutes. Strain and keep warm over low heat. Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy.

APPLE ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE SCENTED GRAVY



Apple Roast Turkey With Apple Scented Gravy image

This is based on a recipe from Pampered Chef that used just the Turkey Breast. I tailored it for our Thanksgiving whole turkey and the result was a beautiful, delicious, and moist bird that my mother-in-law raved about. The apples inside really keep it moist and add flavor. I've inherited the responsibility for making the turkey every year now!

Provided by leslie in plano

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 11h

Yield 1 turkey with gravy

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 gallons water
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup honey
turkey (any size)
olive oil, to taste, about a palm full
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 -6 green apples, cored and quartered (depends on bird size)
1/2 cup strained pan dripping (with fat from the top)
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon sage
1/3 cup Wondra Flour

Steps:

  • Thaw and rinse frozen turkey, removing the giblets and neck from the cavities.
  • Combine all brine ingredients and soak turkey overnight in a large cooler 8-12 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Rinse turkey after brining.
  • Put 2 apples worth of quartered pieces in bottom of roast pan and stuff remaining apples in the turkey's cavities.
  • Set turkey on apples in roast pan.
  • Rub palm full of olive oil on turkey.
  • Combine spices and rub onto turkey's skin Cook turkey according to size until internal temp is 180°F.
  • Prepare Gravy by first straining pan drippings.
  • Place 2 or 3 Tbsp of drippings in saucepan and heat on low.
  • Add butter and melt.
  • Add sage.
  • Stir in Wondra flour a little at a time stirring with a whisk.
  • Continue adding drippings until desired amount is achieved.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2065.8, Fat 35.9, SaturatedFat 22.3, Cholesterol 91.6, Sodium 170170.9, Carbohydrate 465, Fiber 15.2, Sugar 442.9, Protein 2.8

SAGE BUTTER-ROASTED TURKEY WITH CIDER GRAVY



Sage Butter-Roasted Turkey with Cider Gravy image

Provided by Jeanne Thiel Kelley

Categories     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Low Cal     Dinner     Family Reunion     Sage     Christmas Eve     Potluck     Calvados     Butter     Apple Juice     Bon Appétit     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Turkey:
3 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage
1 16-to 18-pound turkey, rinsed, patted dry; neck, heart, andgizzard reserved for Turkey Stock
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
3/4 cup fresh refrigerated apple cider or fresh refrigerated apple juice
Gravy:
2 cups (or more) Turkey Stock or low-salt chicken broth
3/4 cup fresh refrigerated apple cider or fresh refrigerated apple juice
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 to 3 tablespoons Calvados (apple brandy) or applejack brandy
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Steps:

  • Turkey:
  • Rub salt and dried sage together in small bowl. Place turkey in roasting pan; sprinkle all over with sage salt. Cover pan with plastic wrap; chill turkey overnight.
  • Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 375°F. Pat turkey dry. Tuck wing tips under; tie legs together loosely. Stir butter and chopped sage in small saucepan over low heat until butter melts. Brush all over turkey; sprinkle with pepper.
  • Roast turkey 1 hour; baste with any pan juices. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Roast turkey 45 minutes. Pour 3/4 cup apple cider over; turn pan around. Continue to roast turkey until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, basting and turning pan occasionally for even cooking, about 11/4 hours longer. Transfer turkey to platter; tent loosely with foil and let rest 30 to 45 minutes (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
  • Gravy:
  • Pour all pan juices into large measuring cup. Spoon off fat that rises to surface. Transfer 2 tablespoons fat to heavy large saucepan; discard remaining fat. Place turkey roasting pan over 2 burners. Add 2 cups stock or broth and 3/4 cup cider. Bring to boil over high heat, scraping up browned bits. Boil liquid until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 6 minutes. Add mixture from roasting pan to degreased pan juices. If necessary, add enough stock to measure 3 1/2 cups stock mixture.
  • Place saucepan with turkey fat over medium-high heat. Add flour; whisk 2 minutes. Whisk in stock mixture. Boil until gravy thickens enough to coat spoon thinly, about 6 minutes. Whisk in 2 tablespoons Calvados, or more to taste, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve turkey with gravy.

CALVADOS (APPLE BRANDY) GRAVY



Calvados (Apple Brandy) Gravy image

Make and share this Calvados (Apple Brandy) Gravy recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Outta Here

Categories     Sauces

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup apple cider
1/4 cup calvados (or apple jack)
1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • Place the sugar in a medium-size heavy saucepan. Place over medium heat, and cook until sugar is golden (do not stir).
  • Carefully add cider, stirring constantly (mixture will bubble vigorously).
  • Stir in brandy; cook 1 minute.
  • Add broth, lemon juice, nutmeg and salt.
  • Combine water and cornstarch, stirring with a wire whisk; add to the gravy. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 36.7, Fat 0.5, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 22.9, Carbohydrate 7, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 3.3, Protein 1.5

APPLE GRAVY



Apple Gravy image

You might want to make a double batch of this rich apple gravy. Yep, it's sensational with beef, but you've gotta try it on mashed potatoes, chops, roasted veggies-pretty much anything goes. -Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons butter, divided
1 large apple (Jonagold or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped
1/4 cup apple brandy
1 cup beef broth
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper, optional

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add apple; saute until dark brown, adding 1 teaspoon butter to prevent scorching. Remove from heat; add brandy. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan., Add broth and salt. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Using a blender or an immersion blender, puree apple mixture. Return to saucepan; simmer until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Remove from heat. Whisk in remaining butter. If desired, add pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 36 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 5mg cholesterol, Sodium 163mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY WITH APPLE GRAVY



Slow-Roasted Turkey With Apple Gravy image

Padma Lakshmi likes big, bold flavors - spices and citrus especially - and infuses her Thanksgiving turkey with them. She prepares the bird over a bed of herbs and produce, then uses those pan juices to create a fruity yet savory gravy. To keep the turkey moist, Ms. Lakshmi starts with a buttermilk brine, then roasts the bird at a low temperature to make sure it cooks through but doesn't dry out. But first, an initial blast in a very hot oven darkens the turkey in spots thanks to the sugar in the buttermilk brine. A final basting and uncovered cooking in the oven helps even out the mottled skin and ensures a delicate crispness. You can garnish the platter with the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the recipe or serve the bird unadorned.

Provided by Genevieve Ko

Time P2DT6h

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

8 fresh bay leaves
2 1/2 quarts buttermilk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, toasted and ground (see Tip)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cayenne
1 (14-pound) fresh or thawed frozen whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
20 fresh bay leaves
3 small Fuji or Honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small fennel bulbs, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 small bunch thyme
10 slices fresh ginger
12 garlic cloves, sliced
1 orange, cut into 1-inch wedges
Coarse sea salt
1 1/2 tablespoons black peppercorns, toasted (see Tip), plus more toasted and ground for seasoning
1 lemon, quartered
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brandy, preferably Pomona or Calvados (optional)
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brine the turkey: Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Place in a large bowl with the buttermilk, sugar, salt, black pepper and cayenne, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Place the turkey in a brining bag or clean unscented garbage bag, pour in the buttermilk mixture and tightly tie the bag closed. Place in a pot or bowl that holds it snugly, making sure the legs are fully immersed in the brine, and refrigerate for at least 48 hours and up to 72 hours.
  • Make the turkey: Position a rack at the bottom of the oven and heat oven (not convection) to 450 degrees. Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Spread the apples, fennel, onions, 12 bay leaves and half of the thyme, ginger, garlic and orange across the bottom of a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and the whole peppercorns.
  • Drain the turkey and wipe dry. (Discard the brine.) Place the turkey in the pan breast side up, and rub its cavity with salt and ground pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon and the remaining bay leaves, thyme, ginger, garlic and orange. Tuck the wings underneath and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and ground pepper, and drizzle everything with oil. Drizzle more oil all over the turkey and rub to generously and evenly coat the skin. Transfer to the oven and roast until browned in spots all over but not burned, 20 to 40 minutes. (Ovens vary widely in how quickly they brown such a large bird, so start checking at 20 minutes and keep going until it's spotted all over.)
  • Pour 2 cups water into the pan, cover the turkey with foil and loosely crimp around the edges of the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees and slide the pan back into the oven. Slow-roast until the turkey is almost cooked through (a meat thermometer will register 150 degrees in the thickest part of the breast and 160 degrees in the thigh), about 4 hours.
  • Uncover, baste all over with the pan juices and roast uncovered until the skin is more evenly browned and the meat registers 155 degrees in the breast and 165 degrees in the thigh, 30 to 45 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests. Let cool slightly in the pan, then transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
  • Make the gravy: Smash the fruits and vegetables in the roasting pan. Set a colander with small holes or a medium-mesh strainer over a bowl or pot, and pour in everything from the pan, working in batches if needed. Press hard on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible along with fruit and vegetable pulp. Discard the solids in the colander; scrape any strained pulp into the bowl. Skim and discard fat from the strained juices.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. While whisking, add the defatted pan juices a little at a time, whisking until smooth, then stir in the brandy. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Keep warm over low.
  • When ready to serve, season the gravy to taste with salt and pepper. Carve the turkey and serve with the hot gravy.

CIDER-BASTED TURKEY WITH ROASTED APPLE GRAVY



Cider-Basted Turkey With Roasted Apple Gravy image

From Bon Appetit. I personally thought that the gravy was a little too sweet, but my guests really liked it.

Provided by lazyme

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 5h45m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup calvados (apple brandy) or 1/4 cup Applejack (apple brandy)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried sage
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, 2 cut into quarters, 8 cut into 8 slices each
1 large onion, sliced
6 sprigs fresh thyme
8 large sage leaves
1 (16 lb) whole turkey
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup water
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F
  • Combine first 5 ingredients in small saucepan.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; bring liquid to boil.
  • Set liquid aside.
  • Mix 2 quartered apples, onion, thyme, sage leaves and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in large bowl.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry.
  • Sprinkle main cavity with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon apple mixture into main cavity.
  • Tuck wing tips under turkey; tie legs together loosely.
  • Place turkey in large roasting pan.
  • Rub turkey breast and legs with butter.
  • Pour half of basting liquid over turkey.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast turkey 30 minutes.
  • Pour remaining basting liquid over turkey.
  • Roast 2 hours, basting frequently with pan juices and adding 1 cup (or more) water to pan if juices have evaporated.
  • Add all apple slices to pan juices around turkey.
  • Cover turkey loosely with foil to keep from browning too quickly.
  • Continue to roast until apples are tender, turkey is deep brown and thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, basting frequently with pan juices, about 1 hour 30 minutes longer.
  • Transfer turkey to platter.
  • Tent loosely with foil; let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will increase 5 to 10 degrees).
  • For gravy:
  • Using slotted spoon, transfer apples from pan juices to bowl.
  • Pour pan juices into 4-cup measuring cup.
  • Spoon off fat and discard.
  • Add enough chicken broth to pan juices to measure 4 cups.
  • Transfer broth mixture to large saucepan; simmer 5 minutes.
  • Add reserved apples; simmer 2 minutes.
  • Mix apple cider and cornstarch in small bowl.
  • Whisk into gravy.
  • Boil until gravy thickens, about 2 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Discard mixture from turkey cavity.
  • Serve turkey with gravy.

Apple scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy is a unique and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday. This dish comprises a succulent roasted turkey infused with the aroma of apple, and a flavorful gravy made using apple cider and calvados.

The History of Roast Turkey

Roast turkey has been an American tradition for centuries. The Pilgrims served roasted wild turkey at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Since then, roast turkey has become a staple of holiday meals in America.

The Significance of Apple in American Cuisine

Apples have been an essential part of American cuisine since colonial times. Apples were readily available and versatile, so they were used in many dishes. Applesauce, apple pie, and apple cider have become quintessential American dishes. The scent and flavor of apple have become synonymous with fall and winter, which makes them an ideal ingredient for roast turkey.

The Ingredients of Apple Scented Roast Turkey with Cider Calvados Gravy

The recipe for apple-scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy typically calls for the following ingredients:
For the Turkey:
  1. One large turkey (15-20 pounds)
  2. One stick of unsalted butter
  3. Two cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  4. Two cups chicken broth
  5. One cup apple cider vinegar
  6. One tablespoon kosher salt
  7. Two tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  8. One tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  9. One tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  10. One tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  11. Two garlic cloves, minced
  12. One teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
  1. Two cups turkey drippings
  2. One cup apple cider
  3. One cup chicken broth
  4. Three tablespoons calvados or brandy
  5. Three tablespoons unsalted butter
  6. Three tablespoons all-purpose flour
  7. Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

The Cooking Process of Apple Scented Roast Turkey with Cider Calvados Gravy

Here is a general outline of the cooking process for apple-scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy:
Preparing the Turkey:
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. Clean and dry the turkey inside and out.
  3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the apples and cook until tender. Remove from heat and stir in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stuff the turkey with the apple mixture and truss the bird.
  5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (3 to 3 1/2 hours for a 15-20 pound turkey).
  6. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
Making the Gravy:
  1. While the turkey is roasting, prepare the gravy.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the turkey drippings, apple cider, and chicken broth over medium heat.
  3. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook for 2-3 minutes to make a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk the roux into the turkey drippings mixture, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens.
  5. Stir in the calvados, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the gravy alongside the turkey.

The Benefits of Apple Scented Roast Turkey with Cider Calvados Gravy

Aside from being a delicious and flavorful dish, apple-scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy has many benefits. Here are a few:
A Healthy Source of Protein:
Turkey is a low-fat and high-protein source of meat, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
Turkey contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron, which are essential for good health.
A Unique Flavor Combination:
The combination of apple and turkey is incredibly flavorful and unique, making this a dish that will stand out on any holiday table.

Conclusion

Apple-scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy is a flavorful and unique dish that is perfect for the holidays. This tasty and healthy meal will be the main attraction on your dining table, and your guests will appreciate the effort you put into creating such a delicious feast. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the beauty of an apple-infused turkey with a rich and flavorful gravy?
Thanksgiving is a special holiday in the United States that is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time when families and friends come together to give thanks and share a delicious meal that typically centers around a roast turkey. If you're looking for a unique and aromatic twist on the traditional turkey recipe, then an apple-scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy may be just what you need. This guide provides valuable tips to help you create an amazing turkey dish that will wow your guests. Tip #1: Choose the Right Turkey The first step in making a perfect apple-scented roast turkey is selecting the right bird. Ideally, choose a turkey weighing between 12-15 pounds as it's the perfect size for roasting. If you're serving a large crowd, you may need to roast two smaller turkeys to make sure everyone gets enough to eat. When purchasing a turkey, make sure it's fresh or has been recently thawed. Frozen turkeys take time to thaw, and you don't want to be stuck with a partially thawed turkey on the day of the feast. Also, consider buying an organic or free-range turkey as they are typically more flavorful and succulent. Tip #2: Prepare the Brine One of the key steps in making an apple-scented roast turkey is brining. Brining involves soaking the turkey in saltwater, which adds flavor and moisture to the meat. To make a basic brine, combine 1 cup of kosher salt and 1 cup of sugar with 2 gallons of water in a large container. Add sliced oranges, lemons, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for added flavor. Make sure the turkey is fully submerged in the brine and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight. The longer you brine, the more flavorful and succulent the turkey will be. Tip #3: Stuffing and Apple Aromatics Stuffing is an essential component of a Thanksgiving turkey, but you can take it to the next level by adding apple aromatics. After brining your turkey, rinse it with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. To add an apple scent to your turkey, cut two or three apples into quarters and stuff them inside the turkey cavity along with fresh herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage. This will infuse the turkey with a delicious aroma that will tantalize your senses. Tip #4: Seasoning the Turkey Seasoning is another critical aspect of making an apple-scented roast turkey. However, since you've already soaked the turkey in a brine, the meat should be flavorful enough, and you don't need to add too much extra seasoning. Rub the turkey with some soft butter, salt, pepper, and paprika to give it a golden, crispy skin. For an added apple taste, sprinkle some cinnamon or nutmeg on the turkey before roasting it. You can also add some apple cider to the bottom of the roasting pan to create extra apple flavors. Tip #5: Roasting the Turkey Roasting the turkey takes time, but it's essential to ensure that the meat is fully cooked and juicy. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the turkey in a roasting pan breast side up. Cover the breast with foil to prevent it from drying out and roast the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey's internal temperature regularly. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat before removing it from the oven. Tip #6: Make Cider Calvados Gravy What's a Thanksgiving turkey without some delicious gravy to pour over it? The apple-scented roast turkey pairs perfectly with a cider calvados gravy that's sweet and savory. To make the gravy, use the drippings from the roasting pan and pour them into a saucepan. Add ½ cup of apple cider, ¼ cup of calvados, and 1 cup of chicken stock to the pan. Simmer the mixture over low heat, whisking occasionally, for about 15 minutes until it thickens. Strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve and discard any solids. Season it to taste with salt and pepper and serve it warm with your roast turkey. Conclusion Making an apple-scented roast turkey with cider calvados gravy is a delicious and unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving. With the tips discussed above, you can create a mouth-watering meal that's sure to impress your family and guests. It's important to remember to choose the right turkey, prepare a brine, stuff the turkey, season it accordingly, roast it at the right temperature, and make a delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with the roast turkey. By following these tips, you can create a Thanksgiving meal that's both memorable and tasty, leaving your guests with a lasting impression of your culinary skills.

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