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6 ways to prepare Thanksgiving turkey

Whether you are preparing for a crowd or setting the table for two, our Stir It Up! bloggers have a few new ideas for your Thanksgiving turkey.

5. Brined and oven roasted turkey breast

A Palatable Pastime
For a small crowd for Thanksgiving, brine and roast a turkey breast in the oven for easy-to-serve portions.

For the turkey

1 boneless turkey breast
soft butter or olive oil
salt and pepper

For the brine

1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 bay leaves
4 -6 garlic cloves, sliced
4 cups water
1/2 cup kosher salt

1. Mix together the ingredients for the brine until the salt is completely dissolved.

2. Pour brine over turkey breast inside an extra large ziplock bag or brining bag.

3. Brine turkey breast for 12 hours, then drain off brine and pat bird dry with paper toweling.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

5. Rub the skin of the turkey with soft butter or olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper.

6. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a baking pan and roast, uncovered, until an instant read thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part, about 40 minutes per pound. If skins browns excessively, tent with foil.

7. Allow roast to sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the meat temp to rise slightly more and to allow the juices to settle, before slicing and serving.

Read the full post on Stir It Up!

Recommended:  Thanksgiving recipes: 20 ideas

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Mark Sappenfield
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