Enjoy these recipes for a delicious Thanksgiving feast!

Brine (Prep 24-48 hours)

1. Ingredients:
   • Equal parts brown sugar and salt
   • Whole peppercorns
   • Fresh thyme
   • Fresh rosemary
   • Garlic cloves (crushed)
   • Onion (quartered)
   • Orange (sliced)
   • Bay leaves
   • Water and beer (mixed as the liquid base)
2. Instructions:
   • Combine all brine ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil to dissolve the sugar and salt.
   • Cool the brine with ice to room temperature or lower.
   • Submerge the bird in the brine, seal in a large brining bag, and place in a cooler with ice. Let it soak for 24-48 hours

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Dry Rub (Apply 24 hours before cooking)

1. Ingredients:
   • Brown sugar
   • Garlic powder
   • Onion powder
   • Cayenne pepper
   • Ground cumin
   • Dried thyme
   • Salt
   • Black pepper
   • Dried rosemary
2. Instructions:
   • Mix all dry rub ingredients thoroughly.
   • Pat the bird dry and generously coat it with the rub. Let it sit in the refrigerator uncovered for 24 hours.

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Injection (Just before cooking)

1. Ingredients:
   • 50/50 mix of chicken broth and beer or wine
2. Instructions:
   • Inject the liquid mixture evenly into the meat to enhance flavor and moisture.

Prepare for Cooking

• Slide butter under the skin of the bird.
• Cover the wings with foil and tie the legs together.

Cooking Instructions

• Oven/Smoker Temperature: 325°F (163°C).
• Cook Time: Roast until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C). For a 12-lb bird, this should take about 3 hours (roughly 10-12 minutes per pound).

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Turkey Porchetta with Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Ingredients

For the Turkey Porchetta:

• Turkey breast, deboned with skin on

Pumpkin Seed Pesto:

• Fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme
• Garlic cloves
• Onion, finely chopped
• Pumpkin seeds (toasted)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Bacon fat (optional for richness)

Dry Rub:

• Dried thyme
• Oregano
• Dried sage
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Pinch of cumin
• Paprika
• A touch of sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pesto:
   • In a food processor, blend sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion, pumpkin seeds, and Parmesan.
   • Slowly drizzle in olive oil and bacon fat until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Porchetta:
   • Lay the turkey breast skin-side down and spread a layer of the pumpkin seed pesto evenly.
   • Roll the turkey breast tightly and secure with kitchen twine.
3. Apply the Dry Rub:
   • Combine all dry rub ingredients and coat the rolled turkey evenly.
4. Cooking:
   • Preheat a grill to 150°C (300°F).
   • Place the porchetta in a cast iron skillet on the grill and cook for approximately 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Smoked Turkey (12 lb)

Ingredients:

• Turkey, 12 lb
• Dry rub mixed with baking powder (for crisp skin): thyme, oregano, sage, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
• Cherry wood chips for smoking
• Injection mixture: 50/50 wine and broth

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Coat the turkey in the dry rub mixed with baking powder.
   • Inject the meat with the wine and broth mixture.
2. Smoking:
   • Set the smoker to 225°F (107°C). Place the turkey upside down for even moisture.
   • Mop with a mix of wine, broth, bacon fat, and herbs every hour.
   • Smoke until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

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Gravy

Ingredients:

• Cipollini onions, shallots, and garlic, finely chopped
• Diced bacon

Instructions:

1. Sauté the bacon until crispy in a large pan.
2. Add onions, shallots, and garlic, cooking until softened and caramelized.
3. Deglaze the pan with broth or drippings from the turkey.

Sides

• Brussels Sprouts: Roasted or sautéed with bacon and balsamic glaze.
• Stuffing: Classic bread stuffing with sage and sausage.
• Green Beans: Blanched and tossed with garlic butter and almonds.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with butter, cream, and roasted garlic.
• Bread: Freshly baked dinner rolls or crusty artisan bread.

Enjoy this festive feast! 🎉