SIMPLE BRINE TURKEY RECIPES

Steps:

• Mix hot water, salt, sugar and bay leaves in 12-quart container or tall stockpot. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Stir cold water into container. Place turkey in brine, adding more cold water if needed to cover. If necessary, place a plate on top of turkey to keep it submerged. Refrigerate 12 to 24 hours.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove turkey from brine. Discard remaining brine. Rinse turkey under cool running water. Pat dry, even between the skin and the breast. Place turkey on rack in foil-lined roasting pan.
• Brush turkey with oil. Mix paprika, rosemary and thyme in small bowl. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over turkey. Cover loosely with foil.
• Roast 2 hours. Remove foil. Roast 1 to 1 1/2 hours longer or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove turkey from oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Mix all of the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
• Put the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Generously season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper, to taste. Brush the turkey with olive oil, and rub it with the seasoning mixture. Tie the legs together loosely to hold their shape, and tuck the wing tips under.
• Roast the turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165 to 170 degrees F, about 3 hours.
• Transfer the turkey to a platter. Tent it very loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes (the internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees). Reserve the juices in the pan.
• Gravy: Scrape the juices and browned bits from the roasting pan into a large glass measuring cup. Spoon off the fat, reserving 2 tablespoons. If necessary, add enough stock to the juices to measure 1 2/3 cups.
• Heat the reserved 2 tablespoons fat in a heavy, large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, and shallots, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and whisk until golden, about 4 minutes. Add the degreased pan juices, and the 2 cups stock. Bring to a boil, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat and simmer until the gravy is reduced to the desired consistency, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the lemon juice, and the sour cream. Season the gravy with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the gravy into a serving bowl. Carve the turkey and arrange it on a serving platter. Serve the turkey with the gravy.