New spin on your turkey dinner
This maple brine, combined with a dream stuffing, will elevate your turkey game to the next level.
SERVES
1
TO
4
Ingredients
For the maple turkey brine:
- 4 liters water
- 1/2 cup non-iodized salt
- 1/2 cup raw sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1/2 bunch thyme
- 4 bay leaves
For the dream stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 900 grams sweet Italian sausage, casings removed, divided
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped in a food processor
- 3 large celery ribs, finely chopped in a food processor
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped in a food processor
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped in a food processor
- 1 day old ciabatta loaf, cut into 2.5 centimeter cubes (approximately 8 cups)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup turkey stock
- 1 cup of 35% whipping cream
- 1 cup Grano Padano cheese
- 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Directions
For Rodney's maple turkey brine:
- Bring one liter of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Whisk in the salt and sugar.
- Take off of heat, and add the rest of the ingredients.
- Brine is ready to use when cooled.
To brine the turkey:
- Place the whole turkey in a large enough pot to accommodate and cover with brine mixture. You might have to weigh the bird down with plates.
Option 2:
- Butcher the bird into two large pieces; removing the legs and back from the breast.
- Place pieces into two large zip top bags and fill with brine.
- Place bags on a tray in the fridge and let stand.
- Cook the turkey at 375°F - 60 minutes for the legs, and 90 minutes for the back and breast. *A general rule is two hours per pound.
For the dream stuffing:
- In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add onions, celery and garlic, salt and pepper. Cook for five to seven minutes or until very tender. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, add the bread and raw sausage and mix together.
- Add the cooked vegetables to sausage and bread mixture, then combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, stock, cheese, and parsley.
- Stir egg and cream mixture into sausage and bread mix. Mix well.
- Bake covered in a casserole dish at 350°F for 45 minutes.
