MAPLE-BRINED TURKEY

MAPLE-BRINED TURKEY image

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 11

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1 c. fresh lemon juice
3/4 c. maple syrup
1/2 c. olive oil
6 medium shallots, thinly sliced
6 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 fresh thyme sprigs
3 imported bay leaves
2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
15 lb. turkey, neck skin removed
3 medium onions, cut into 1" pieces
3 medium celery ribs, cut into 1" pieces

Steps:

1. Marinate the turkey: In a sturdy 2-gallon plastic bag, combine the lemon juice, maple syrup, corn oil, shallots, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, lemon zest, and pepper. Add the turkey to the bag, squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bag. Distribute the marinade evenly over and inside the turkey. Set the turkey, breast-side down, in a bowl in the refrigerator and marinate for 24 hr, turning occasionally. 2. Preheat the oven for 450: Position the oven rack near the bottom of the oven. Wipe off the shallots and garlic from the turkey and pat dry. Strain the marinade into a bowl, skim off the oil and reserve. Set the herbs, garlic and shallots aside separately. 3. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the turkey skin over the breasts and thighs. Mix 1 c. maple syrup and 1/2 c. olive oil. Put all but 3 T of the mixture in and around the turkey and other the skin. 4. Roast turkey, basting frequently, for at least 4 hr.