Honey Roasted Turkey

Chef Ivan M's Note:

Adopted from a popular French Recipe, the turkey comes out with a lovely golden brown crisp skin and smelling divine! This could be a hit for the coming holidays!

• Total Time: 13 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 12 hrs
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 1 whole turkey , fresh frozen, 12-16kg, thawed
• 500 ml water
• 100 g rock salt
• 250 ml honey
• 20 g fresh ground black pepper
• 50 g garlic cloves , whole peeled
• 50 g fresh thyme
• 30 g fresh sage
• 30 g fresh rosemary
• 1 liter chicken stock
• 2 lemons , juiced
• 50 ml olive oil

Directions:

1. Remove giblets and neck from turkey and reserve to make gravy with. Rinse turkey under cold water, drain well. Blot dry with paper towels. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl (large enough to hold the large bird), mix salt, water and honey. Mix until thoroughly dissolved. Add ground pepper and half of the chicken stock.
3. Place turkey in bowl. stir and pour the brine in and around the turkey. Cover with cling film, then let sit in the fridge 10-12 hours.
4. Remove turkey. Drain well and pat dry. Discard the brine. Place turkey on heavy roasting pan.
5. Stuff the herbs and garlic into the turkey cavity.
6. Squeeze lemon juice into the turkey cavity, then throw in the lemon halves.
7. Coat turkey with olive oil inside and out thoroughly. Then rub some salt and fresh ground pepper inside out.
8. Add the giblets and neck to the roasting pan.
9. Roast in preheated oven at 350F for about 45 minutes to an hour. Baste with leftover chicken stock and juices from the pan. Internal temperature should reach 170°F You check this by sticking a thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, usually the breast, away from the bone.
10. Remove turkey from oven. Set aside drippings for gravy.
11. Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving.
12. To make the gravy.
13. In a sauce pot, saute 1 whole peeled white onion, a celery stalk, 1 peeled carrot until tender and slightly colored.
14. Sprinkle in about 2 tablespoons of flour, then stir to distribute evenly.
15. Pour drippings into the sauce pot.
16. Bring to boil, then let simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
17. Pass through a fine strainer. Discard the vegetables and meat.
18. Return to heat and reduce by one fourth.
19. Season to taste with some salt and pepper. Serve hot!