4 cups cold water
¼ cup sugar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Finely grated zest of 3 lemons
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled, plus 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
¼ cup lightly packed fresh sage leaves
¼ cup lightly packed fresh thyme sprigs
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
1 (3 ¼-pound) boneless turkey breast
1 large carrot, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
2 large celery ribs, cut into 1 ½-inch lengths
1 yellow onion, cut into 8 wedges
½ cup reduced-sodium turkey or chicken broth
Sage Brown Butter Ingredients
½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh sage
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Leek and Herb Stuffing [Click for the recipe!]
Directions
- To brine turkey: In large bowl, combine water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed garlic cloves. Using side of heavy knife, lightly crush sage, thyme, and rosemary on cutting board, then stir them into brine. Submerge turkey breast, meaty side down, in brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 8 hours.
- Meanwhile, make sage brown butter: In medium skillet, stir 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat for about 4 minutes, or until it melts and turns nutty brown. Add sage, shallots, and garlic and stir for about 1 minute, or until shallots soften. Pour butter into medium bowl and let cool. Add remaining 10 tablespoons butter to brown butter and blend well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- To roast turkey: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove turkey from brine; discard brine. Rinse turkey under cold running water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place turkey on cutting board. Using your fingers, carefully make pocket between skin and breast meat. Spread about ⅓ cup of butter under skin to cover breast meat completely, then rub ⅓ cup of remaining butter all over outside of turkey breast. Tie breast crosswise in a couple of places with kitchen twine to help it hold its shape.
- Spread carrots, celery, onions, and garlic halves on large, rimmed sheet. Set turkey breast on top and roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of turkey reads 155°F. Transfer turkey and vegetables to platter and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pour any pan juices into small saucepan. Let stand for 3 minutes, then spoon off fat that has risen to surface of juices. Set baking sheet over medium heat, then pour in broth and bring to simmer, scraping up browned bits in pan with wooden spoon. Add to skimmed juices in saucepan. Bring to simmer and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to sauceboat.
- In small saucepan, melt remaining sage brown butter over medium-low heat; transfer to bowl. Using large sharp knife, cut turkey crosswise into slices. Return turkey to platter and serve with stuffing, melted sage brown butter, and pan juices.
The recipe above was published in the wonderfully delightful and delightfully wonderful Saturday Evening Post and is graciously being shared with our readers.
A few other recipes I saw on Saturday Evening Post’s Website I’m pretty sure you’ll want to check out are listed below. Can you believe it’s already time to start planning your Thanksgiving menu?!?! I SO love this time of year!
Pumpkin Stew – Pumpkin, combined with red peppers, green peppers, black beans, and yellow corn – a stew that’s as nutritious as it is colorful!
Raspberry Lime Chia Cooler Smoothie – Another healthy beauty and a perfect pick-me-up while baking or after shopping for presents.
Vegetable Stuffed Turkey Meatloaf – This looks so incredibly good! I know I’m making this one soon.
Photo and Recipe Credit: Saturday Evening Post
