TED ALLEN'S DECONSTRUCTED HOLIDAY TURKEY WITH SAGE GRAVY

Steps:

• For the Gravy:
• 2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• cup all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Brine the turkey:
• Rinse the turkey parts and place in doubled 21/2-gallon resealable plastic bags (or a large stockpot). Add 1/4 cup salt, the honey, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, 2 sprigs sage, the peppercorns, allspice and celery leaves. Add enough cold water to cover the turkey (about 3 quarts). Press out the air, close the bags and place in a large bowl or other container to protect against any leaks. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight. Roast the turkey: Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 425.
• Remove the turkey parts from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Place skin-side up on racks set in 2 medium roasting pans (be sure to leave space between the turkey parts to allow air to circulate). Pour 1 cup water into each pan. Drizzle the turkey parts with melted butter and scatter with the leaves from the remaining 2 sage sprigs. Place 1 pan on each oven rack and roast until the turkey begins to brown, about 30 minutes.
• Lower the oven temperature to 400. Switch the positions of the pans and rotate from front to back. Continue roasting until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding bone) registers 165degrees, 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes. Transfer the turkey parts to a platter and tent with foil.
• Make the gravy: Pour the pan juices into a 4-cup glass measuring cup and let rest until the fat rises to the top, 2 to 3 minutes. Skim off and reserve the fat. Set 1 roasting pan across 2 burners, add 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits. Add the simmering broth to the pan juices in the measuring cup, then add the additional chicken broth, if needed, to equal 4 cups liquid.
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the broth mixture and any collected juices from the platter. Increase the heat to medium high and boil, uncovered, until thickened, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Carve the turkey pieces and garnish with sage. Serve with the gravy.