Ted Allen's Deconstructed Holiday Turkey With Sage Gravy
- 1 whole bone-in turkey breast (6 1/2 to 7 pounds)
- 3 turkey drumsticks (about 2 1/4 pounds total)
- 2 turkey thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 head garlic, cut in half (do not peel)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 4 large sprigs sage, plus more for garnish
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons whole allspice
- 1/4 cup fresh celery leaves (from 1 bunch)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 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.
turkey, turkey, turkey, kosher salt, honey, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, sage, whole black peppercorns, whole allspice, fresh celery, unsalted butter
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ted-allen/ted-allens-deconstructed-holiday-turkey-with-sage-gravy-recipe.html (may not work)