Herb and Citrus Stuffed Turkey

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Prepare for a culinary adventure with an herb and citrus stuffed turkey that will leave everyone craving more. Begin by brining the turkey in a flavorful saltwater solution, infusing it with a perfect balance of savory and citrus notes. After rinsing and drying the turkey, season it generously with salt and pepper.

Roast the turkey in a prepared roasting pan, breast side up, and baste it regularly with the pan drippings to keep it moist and flavorful. Meanwhile, create an herb-infused butter by combining sage, thyme and melted butter, brushing it over the turkey to enhance its aroma and taste.

Fill the turkey's cavity with a stuffing combination of fruits, celery, onion and herbs, allowing the flavors to meld together as it cooks. While the turkey roasts to perfection, prepare a delectable glaze by melting butter and adding a touch of pineapple juice. Brush the glaze over the turkey to create an enticing sheen.

As the turkey reaches its ideal internal temperature, get ready to savor the golden-brown skin and succulent meat. Finally, carve the turkey and serve it alongside a quick homemade gravy made from the pan drippings, flour and stock.

Time to feast on the flavors of this herb and citrus stuffed turkey—a true centerpiece that will elevate any special occasion!

Directions:

1. For Brine: In a large pot over high heat, combine water and salt. Bring to a boil until salt is completely dissolved. Reserve and cool completely.
2. Place turkey in a 5 gallon bucket or large cooler. Pour salt water over turkey. Add 2 apples, 2 oranges, 2 lemons, 2 mandarins, 2 sprigs sage, 2 sprigs thyme and garlic to the turkey. Brine for 24 hours.
3. Heat oven to 325°.
4. Remove turkey from brine and rinse. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Discard brine. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside cavity and outside on the skin. Set in roasting pan with rack, breast side up. Tuck wings under to avoid burning. Pour 2 cups turkey stock in the bottom of the pan.
5. Chop 2 sprigs each of sage and thyme and combine with melted butter. Brush all over turkey.
6. Stuff the cavity with the rest of the apples, oranges, lemons, mandarins, celery, onion and the remaining 2 sprigs of sage and thyme.      
7. Roast turkey for 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°, basting once every hour.
8. Melt butter in a saucepan with pineapple juice and cook 2 minutes. Set aside. Add salt and pepper.
9. Truss legs together with butcher's twine, then brush the turkey with the melted butter mixture.
10. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°, occasionally basting the turkey with pan drippings. Cover with foil when the bird starts to brown.

Tip: For a quick gravy, return roasting pan to stove, over low heat.  Skim off fat from pan drippings and sprinkle flour in pan drippings. Slowly whisk in stock until thickened and smooth.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Audrey,
ALDI Test Kitchen