TURKEY BRINE AND RUB RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Unwrap the turkey and remove the neck and giblets (reserve for gravy). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry. Combine 1/3 cup salt, the sugar and 1 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Rub all over the turkey and inside the cavity. Put on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Rinse well and pat dry. (A dry brine is a good choice if you're short on fridge space.)
• Mix the butter, parsley, sage, thyme, 1 teaspoon pepper, the paprika and cloves until combined. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the butter, then rub the rest under the turkey skin on the breasts and legs. Rub 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter on the skin; chill and save the rest for your gravy. Let the turkey stand 30 minutes at room temperature before roasting.
• Put the oven rack in the lowest position; preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan, tucking the wing tips under. Tie the drumsticks together with twine. Roast until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes per pound. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 30 minutes before carving. Whisk the reserved 2 tablespoons flavored butter into your gravy just before serving, if desired.

Steps:

• Place 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons ground sage, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne (if using) in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
• Pat 2 turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels and place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the turkey, making sure to use all of it and pressing it into the flesh so it adheres. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
• Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large cast iron or oven-proof non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the turkey tenderloins and cook until browned on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the second side, about 2 minutes more.
• Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the turkey is cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 155°F when inserted into the thickest part, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Transfer the turkey to a clean cutting board and let rest for 15 minutes. Slice thinly crosswise and taste and season with more kosher salt as needed before serving.