Cider Marinated Turkey

Name: Cider Marinated Turkey
Ingredients: 8 cups apple cider or unsweetened apple juice; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 8 whole cloves; 5 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon whole allspice, crushed; 2 medium navel oranges, quartered; 3 quarts cold water; 1 turkey (12 pounds); 1 medium onion, quartered; 2 medium carrots, halved and quartered; 2 sprigs fresh sage or 1 tablespoon rubbed sage; 1 tablespoon canola oil

14 ingredients

5 steps

Ingredients

8 cups apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup kosher salt
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
8 whole cloves
5 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon whole allspice, crushed
2 medium navel oranges, quartered
3 quarts cold water
1 turkey (12 pounds)
1 medium onion, quartered
2 medium carrots, halved and quartered
2 sprigs fresh sage or 1 tablespoon rubbed sage
1 tablespoon canola oil

Directions

1

In a large stockpot, combine the cider and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until salt is dissolved. Stir in oranges. Remove from the heat. Add water; cool to room temperature.
2

Remove giblets from turkey; discard. Place a turkey-size oven roasting bag inside a second roasting bag; add turkey. Place in a roasting pan. Carefully pour cooled marinade into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 12-14 hours; turn several times.
3

Drain and discard marinade. Rinse turkey under cold water; pat dry. Place onion, carrots and sage in cavity. Rub oil over skin. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together.
4

Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Place turkey over drip pan; grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 2 to 3 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°, tenting turkey with foil after about 1 hour. Cover and let stand 20 minutes before carving.
5

If desired, thicken pan juices for gravy. Remove and discard skin and vegetables in cavity before carving turkey. Serve with gravy.