Ingredients

  • 4 cups coarse salt (or 1 cup when using a sodium enhanced turkey)
  • 5 cups sugar
  • 2 carrots, peeled and cut up
  • 2 stalks celery, cut up
  • 2 onions, cut up
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 head garlic, cut up (or 3 tbsp jarred garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon clove
  • 2 teaspoons whole allspice
  • 8 cups water
  • 18 -20 lbs turkey (I used a breast and it was delicious)
  • prepared stuffing (optional)
  • 1 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 14 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 14 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 14 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method

  • To make the brine-- In a large stockpot combine first 13 ingredients and bring to boil.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool COMPLETELY.
  • This can be made a day in advance.
  • Rinse turkey and pat dry.
  • Place in a large pot, or even a plastic tub big enough to hold turkey, but small enough to fit in your refrigerator.
  • Add brine and enough water to cover.
  • Cover container and allow to marinate overnight.
  • Remove turkey from the brine and drain.
  • Make spice butter by combining ingredients and mixing well.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Stuff turkey (if desired).
  • Rub turkey with spice butter and place in roasting pan.
  • Roast for 30 minutes then reduce heat to 390 degrees.
  • Rotate pan every 30 minutes, baste as needed until the temperature reaches 180 degrees in the thigh (or if you used a breast, 160 degrees).
  • If needed cover areas with foil to prevent overbrowning.
  • Allow to rest 30 minutes before carving.
  • This is a VERY juicy turkey recipe (you may need goggles while you cut it... haha).