-
1
For the roast turkey breast:
-
2
1.
-
3
If the turkey breast has the back attached, remove the back.
-
4
Keep the back or any remaining turkey pieces for the stock pot, to make gravy.
-
5
2.
-
6
Stand a 6 quart zip top bag or a brining bag in a large dish.
-
7
Pour the brine (recipe below) into the bottom of the bag.
-
8
Put the turkey, breast side down into the brine and close the bag.
-
9
Refrigerate 4 to 6 hours.
-
10
Do not over marinate.
-
11
3.
-
12
When the turkey has finished brining lay the onions, carrots and parsnip in the bottom of a shallow roasting pan.
-
13
4.
-
14
Remove the turkey from the brine.
-
15
Place the turkey on top of the vegetables.
-
16
Pat the turkey dry with some paper towels.
-
17
5.
-
18
Drizzle and rub olive oil over the skin.
-
19
The turkey is completely seasoned from the brine so there is no need for further seasoning.
-
20
Allow the turkey to sit at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes.
-
21
6.
-
22
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 F in a convection oven, or 400 F in a conventional oven.
-
23
7.
-
24
Roast the turkey for 1 hour.
-
25
Then add 2 cups of the stock to the bottom of the roasting pan and rotate the roasting pan for even cooking.
-
26
8.
-
27
Roast for 20 to 40 minutes longer or until an instant read thermometer stuck into the thickest part of the breast reads 160 F. 9.
-
28
Remove the turkey from the oven.
-
29
Cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest about 20 minutes before carving.
-
30
For the buttermilk brine:
-
31
1.
-
32
Combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns in a small saucepan.
-
33
Cook over medium heat, until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
-
34
2.
-
35
Remove the pan from the heat.
-
36
Pour the liquid into a container and add the garlic, thyme, sage and ice.
-
37
Put the container into the refrigerator to cool completely.
-
38
3.
-
39
In a large bowl, add the completely cooled brine to the buttermilk.
-
40
Mix to combine then proceed with the turkey brining recipe above.
-
41
Double or triple this recipe for a whole turkey.
-
42
The rule of thumb is about 1 cup of brine per pound of turkey and 1 hour of brining time per pound of turkey.
-
43
Though I prefer 45 minutes of brining time per pound of turkey because I find it less salty.