TURKEY

Make sure to prep the turkey on Monday so it’s ready to roast on Thursday! 

1. Monday: Spatchock* the turkey, saving the backbone and neck for stock to make gravy.
2. Measure out your salt; you’ll need 1 teaspoon for every pound of turkey (or 1 tablespoon for every 3 pounds: a 15 pound turkey needs 5 tablespoons of salt for example)
3. Gently loosen the skin on the breast and thighs and get some of the salt under there. Evenly coat the rest of the turkey with the remainder of the salt, making sure to get it on all surfaces.
4. Place the turkey skin-side up in a large pan and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Tuesday: Flip the turkey so it’s skin-side down and cover again with plastic wrap.
6. Wednesday: Flip again so it’s skin-side up, and leave uncovered overnight. (this will allow the excess moisture to evaporate a bit which means crispy skin- yay!)
7. Take the turkey out of the fridge one hour before you roast it to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 450ºF. (Ideally, with your oven rack just below center)
8. Place the carrots, celery, garlic and thyme in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place the turkey on top, skin side up, with the wings tucked behind the breast. Brush the skin all over with the ghee.
9. Roast for 40 minutes and then turn the heat down to 350ºF. Roast for another 30-50 (or longer if you’re cooking a giant bird), until the breast temperature is 150ºF and the thigh is 165ºF. My turkey was 15 pounds and took about 90 minutes, so about 6 minutes per pound. Allow to rest, loosely tented with foil, for 20 minutes before carving.

FRESH HERB SALT

1. Combine the salt and fresh herbs in a blender or food processor and blend until the herbs are finely minced and the salt is a light green color.
2. Store remaining salt in an airtight container in the fridge. (Use it to brine chickens, season beef or anything that could use a salty-herby boost!)

GRAVY

1. In a large sauce pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the cassava flour and whisk to combine. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until it’s the color of light caramel, whisking often.
2. Pour in the wine and turn the heat to medium-high. Simmer for 2 minutes or so, to cook off the alcohol.
3. Add the turkey stock and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until slightly reduced and thickened. Stir in the turkey drippings. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

TURKEY STOCK

1. Place all of the ingredients in a pressure cooker and lock on the lid. Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally before venting and opening the lid.
2. Strain the solids and reserve the liquid, skimming off the fat that comes to the surface.

• If cooking on the stove top, simmer all the ingredients for 90 minutes and then continue with step 2.