View Single Post
Old 10-05-2012, 11:26 AM   #30
Happy Gourmand
Senior Member
 
Happy Gourmand's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Ruskin FL
Posts: 1,027
Thanks: 188
Thanked 322 Times in 179 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by garysanfran View Post
Submerge for 24 - 48 hrs., rinse and roast at 400 deg. for 20 min per pound.

CHEZ PANISSE'S BRINE FOR TURKEY
INGREDIENTS:

--2 1/2 gallons cold water

-- 2 cups kosher salt

-- 1 cup sugar

-- 2 bay leaves, torn into pieces

-- 1 bunch fresh thyme, or 4 tablespoons dried

-- 1 whole head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled

-- 5 whole allspice berries, crushed

-- 4 juniper berries, smashed

-- 1-2 Oranges, quartered (optional)

-- 1-2 limes quartered (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: Place the water in a large pot that can easily hold the liquid and the turkey you intend to brine. Add all ingredients and stir for a minute or two until the sugar and salt dissolve. Put your turkey into the brine and refrigerate for 24 hours. If the turkey floats to the top, use a plate or other weight to keep it completely submerged in the brine.

Note: The recipe may be halved or doubled; the important thing is to have enough brine to completely cover the turkey. Before roasting, remove the bird from the brine and drain well. Pat dry
400 degrees, 20 minutes per pound? That's 8 hours for a 24 pound bird. Seems kind of hot for that long. Is 400 correct for this recipe?
I have started them out at much lower temp, 250 to 275 for about 3 hours, then bring it up to 325 for the remainder. I like to think it cooks more evenly that way and doesn't cook the moisture out. Using a meat thermometer, it still seems to take 8 to 9 hours for a 20 pound plus bird.
Any other thoughts on cooking times/temps?
Happy Gourmand is offline   Reply With Quote