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1
Line extra-large stockpot with heavy large plastic bag (about 30-gallon capacity).
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2
Rinse turkey; place in plastic bag.
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3
Stir 8 quarts water, 2 cups coarse salt and 1 cup honey in large pot until salt and honey dissolve.
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4
Add 1 bunch fresh thyme, peeled garlic cloves and black pepper.
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5
Pour brine over turkey.
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6
Gather plastic bag tightly around turkey so that bird is covered with brine; seal plastic bag.
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7
Refrigerate pot with turkey in brine at least 12 hours and up to 18 hours.
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8
Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350F.
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9
Drain turkey well; discard brine.
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10
Pat turkey dry inside and out.
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11
Squeeze juice from lemon halves into main cavity.
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12
Add lemon rinds and remaining 1 bunch fresh thyme to main cavity.
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13
Tuck wings under turkey; tie legs together loosely to hold shape.
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14
Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan.
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15
Rub turkey all over with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
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16
Roast turkey 1 hour.
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17
Baste turkey with 1 cup chicken broth.
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18
Continue to roast until turkey is deep brown and thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180F, basting with 1 cup chicken broth every 30 minutes and covering loosely with foil if turkey is browning too quickly, about 2 1/2 hours longer.
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19
Transfer turkey to platter.
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20
Tent turkey loosely with foil and let stand 30 minutes.
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21
Pour pan juices into large glass measuring cup.
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22
Spoon off fat; reserve juices.
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23
While turkey cooks, place reserved turkey neck, heart and gizzard into large saucepan.
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24
Add 6 cups water, 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, carrots, onion, celery and bay leaf.
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25
Simmer over medium heat until turkey stock is reduced to 3 cups, about 2 hours.
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26
Strain turkey stock into bowl; reserve turkey neck and giblets.
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27
Pull meat off neck.
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28
Chop neck meat and giblets.
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29
Melt 5 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
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30
Add 5 tablespoons all purpose flour and whisk 2 minutes.
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31
Gradually whisk in turkey stock, cream and up to 1 cup reserved turkey pan juices (juices are salty, so add according to taste).
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32
Simmer gravy until thickened to desired consistency, whisking occasionally, about 5 minutes.
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33
Add chopped turkey neck meat and giblets; season to taste with pepper.
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34
Serve turkey with gravy.