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Dear American readers, I wish you a very very happy Thanksgiving today. Let there be love and friendship, and hopefully for longer than just for this day. In case you didn’t quite know how to prepare it, I’ve listed the best recipe ever for “orange and maple roasted turkey” below. Enjoy dinner, enjoy the day off, enjoy your family and friends.

Brine

1/2 Cup sugar
1/4 Cup salt
10 black peppercorns, whole
1 Medium orange, peeled and juiced
1 Gallon cold water
1 12-pound WHOLE TURKEY, fresh or thawed

1. Combine all ingredients, except turkey, in large pot and simmer over low heat for 1-½ hours.
2. Chill brine in ice bath until cold.
3. Place whole turkey into foodservice-safe grade container.
4. Pour chilled brine over top to submerge. Close bag and cover.
5. Marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator.
6. Remove turkey from brine, drain excess liquid.

Turkey Prep

• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 Sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 Medium carrots, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 Medium white onions, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces

Place herbs and vegetables in body cavity and secure.

Cooking Procedure

• 1 Pound unsalted butter, softened
• 2 Medium oranges, juiced
• 1-1/2 Teaspoons salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 Cup maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 Tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, finely chopped

1. Combine butter, orange juice, salt, pepper, maple syrup, rosemary, thyme and garlic in a large bowl.
2. With fingers, slowly massage the compound butter into the skin of the turkey until well absorbed.
3. Fold wings under the back of the turkey and return legs to the tucked position. Turkey may be cooked in a 325 degree F oven or on a rotisserie.
4. If roasting in a thermal oven, cook on a rack for approximately 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh.
5. If cooking by the rotisserie method, thread turkey evenly on the rotisserie-spit fork using a counterweight to achieve an even balance. Place a drip pan in the center of the grill beneath the area where the turkey juices will drip. Cook the turkey over indirect medium heat in a covered rotisserie.
6. If cooking with charcoal, replenish briquettes with about 15 briquettes every hour, as needed, to maintain medium heat. Cook until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 170 degrees F in the breast and 180 degrees F in the thigh (about 3 hours).
7. Allow turkey to rest for about 15 minutes. Remove vegetables and herbs from the cavity prior to carving. Place slices on a platter and garnish with oranges.

Man, I’m getting hungry just from reading this. :)

Recipe Source: Marc Van Steyn, Executive Chef, Rigsby’s Cuisine Volatile, Columbus, Ohio
Chef: Marc Van Steyn, Executive Chef
Restaurant: Rigsby’s Cuisine Volatile
Location: Columbus, OH