Brining and Cooking the Perfect Turkey with Delicious Gravy

Ingredients

• 1 (12-15 pound) turkey
• 2 gallons cold water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup black peppercorns
• 1/4 cup allspice berries
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions

1. In a large container, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, garlic, bay leaves, lemon, and onion. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
2. Place the turkey in the brine and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
5. Place the turkey on a roasting pan. Brush the turkey with the melted butter and olive oil.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
8. Meanwhile, make the gravy. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, wine, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Strain the gravy into a bowl and serve with the turkey.

Interesting Facts

• Brining is a process of soaking food in a salt solution, which helps the turkey to stay moist and flavorful.
• Roasting a turkey at a high temperature helps to quickly crisp up the skin.
• Gravy is a classic accompaniment to roasted turkey.