Pear-Thyme Brined Turkey

Be sure to choose a fresh, unbrined turkey for this recipe. Many varieties are injected with a salt solution prior to packaging and will make this dish too salty. Reserve a couple of thyme springs to use in the gravy.

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Yields: 8 - 10 serving(s)

Prep Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 day

Ingredients

• 8 c.

  pear nectar

• 1

  small bunch fresh thyme, divided

• 4

  large fresh sage sprigs

• 3

  fresh bay leaves

• 3/4 c.

  kosher salt

• 1/2 c.

  dark brown sugar

• 2 tbsp.

  coarsely ground black peppercorns

• 6

  garlic cloves, crushed

• 1

  (12- to 14-pound) fresh whole turkey

• 2

  turkey-size oven bags

• 8 c.

  ice

• 3

  sweet onions, cut into wedges

• 2

  pears, quartered

• Kitchen string

• 2 tbsp.

  butter, melted

• 1 tsp.

  kosher salt

• 1 tsp.

  freshly ground pepper

• 3 c.

  less-sodium chicken broth

• Thyme-Pear Gravy

Directions

• Step 1Combine pear nectar, half of thyme sprigs, and next 6 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes or until sugar and salt dissolve. Cool completely.
• Step 2Remove giblets and neck from turkey and discard. Place a turkey-size oven bag inside a second bag to form a double thickness. Place bags in a large stockpot. Place turkey, breast side down, inside inner bag. Add pear mixture and ice. Secure and close bags. Chill 18 to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
• Step 3Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from bags, discarding brine, and drain well; pat dry with paper towels. Arrange onions and remaining half of thyme sprigs in a large roasting pan. Place turkey, breast side up, on a lightly greased roasting rack in pan. Place pears inside cavity. Tie ends of legs together with kitchen string; tuck wingtips under. Brush entire turkey with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour broth into roasting pan.
• Step 4Roast at 325°F for 3 to 4 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices. Shield with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning in spots, if necessary. Remove from oven, and let stand 30 minutes.
• Step 5Transfer turkey to a serving platter. Pour reserved drippings through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl to equal 1 1/2 cups, discarding solids. Prepare Thyme-Pear Gravy, and serve with turkey.

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