HOW TO ROAST A BRINED TURKEY RECIPES

Steps:

• Select a turkey that is plump and meaty with smooth, moist-looking skin. The skin should be creamy colored. The cut ends of the bones should be pink to red in color.
• If the turkey is frozen, thaw it either slowly in the refrigerator or in cold water or quickly in the microwave, following the manufacturer's directions. A turkey weighing 8 to 12 pounds will thaw in about 2 days in the refrigerator. A turkey weighing 20 to 24 pounds will thaw in about 5 days in the refrigerator. A whole turkey can be safely thawed in cold water. Leave the turkey in its original wrap, free from tears or holes. Place in cold water, allowing 30 minutes per pound for thawing, and change the water often.
• Remove the package of giblets (gizzard, heart and neck), if present, from the neck cavity of the turkey, and discard. Rinse the cavity, or inside of the turkey, with cool water; pat dry with paper towels. Rub the cavity of turkey lightly with salt if desired, but do not salt the cavity if you will be stuffing the turkey.
• Stuff the turkey just before roasting--not ahead of time. Fill the wishbone area (the neck) with stuffing first. Fasten the neck skin to the back of the turkey with a skewer. Fold the wings across the back so the tips are touching. Fill the body cavity lightly with stuffing; do not pack the stuffing because it will expand during roasting. Tuck the drumsticks under the band of skin at the tail, or tie or skewer the drumsticks to the tail.
• Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Brush with melted butter or margarine. It is not necessary to add water or to cover the turkey. Insert ovenproof meat thermometer so tip is in thickest part of thigh and does not touch bone. Follow Timetable for approximate roasting time. Place a tent of aluminum foil loosely over the turkey when it begins to turn golden. When two-thirds done, cut the band or remove the skewer holding the drumsticks; this will allow the interior part of the thighs to cook through.
• Roast until the thermometer reads 165°F (for a whole turkey) and drumsticks move easily when lifted or twisted. Thermometer inserted in center of stuffing should read165°F. When the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it stand for 15 minutes for easiest carving. Keep turkey covered with aluminum foil so it will stay warm.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Combine the garlic and butter. Season, then rub over the turkey breasts. Lay one breast on a board and place the other on top so the thickness of the turkey roll will be roughly even. Stretch the bacon slices over the turkey, overlapping them a little. Tie the roll together with string, spacing knots 5cm (2in) apart. Put on a large wire rack over a large roasting tin.
• Roast for 11/2 hr or until the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey.
• Transfer the turkey to a board, cover loosely with foil and rest for about 20min before carving. Serve with vegetables, sauces and stuffing of your choice.Day-After Pie: Heat 1tbsp oil in a large pan and cook 1 finely chopped onion for 10min until softened. Add 150g sliced mushrooms and fry for 5min. Stir in 21/2tbsp flour and cook for 1min. Gradually stir in 300ml each chicken stock and double cream. Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer for 5min to thicken. Stir in 200g chopped cooked turkey, 150g chopped ham and 1tbsp wholegrain mustard. Season. Tip into an ovenproof serving dish, cover with mashed potato and cook in a preheated 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6 oven for about 30min until golden. Serves 6