Ben Franklin’s Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Let’s cook a Turkey in 9 easy steps!

Step 1: The Night Before
Hunt down a turkey from the grocery store, and be sure to begin the night before.

Remember… “Early to thaw, early to brine, makes the turkey delicious, hooray!”

Step 2: Gather your BRINE INGREDIENTS

  • 2 qt. apple juice
  • I cup black peppercorns
  • 1 qt. water
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1/4 cup cloves (optional)

Combine ingredients and bring to a boil, then let simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Thrust the thawed turkey into a plastic brining bag, pour in the cooled brine and place in container breast side down with lots of ice for 12-16 hours.

Step 3: Wine!

Take this time to drink some wine and reflect on the year. What are you thankful for? Tell me in the comments! I’m thankful for God.

Step 4: Dry your bird

Revoke the turkey’s brining privileges and pat dry with paper towels. Be firm, yet gentle.

Step 5: Herbs*. Butter. Herb Butter.

Spread it all over the skin. Under the skin, over the skin…. go crazy! It’s Thanksgiving!

*Rosemary, Thyme, Sage

Fill the turkey’s cavity with half an apple, half an onion, and any more herbs and spices that you enjoy.

Step 6: Roast

Preheat oven to 500 degrees of heat and don’t forget the logs! Watch turkey closely as it cooks for 30 minutes or until it appears as tan as the native people of this fine holiday.

Step 7: Bake

Withdraw turkey and lower oven to 300 degrees of heat, now you must decorate the breast of your general with a shield of aluminum and cast it back from whence it came.

Remember, the tragedy of turkey is that the breast dries too soon, and the thighs too late.

Step 8: Rest

When the turkey boasts 165 degrees through and through, free it from it’s fiery prison. It’s time to rest for thirty minutes. The turkey, and you.
*it is actually best to remove the turkey at 160 degrees, and let it cook the last 5 degrees as it rests.

Step 9: Enjoy

Present to your family and graciously accept their praise.

Step 10: More wine of course!

One final glass of wine to prepare you for unfiltered conversation. Wine is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy. I’m thankful for God.
Happy thanksgiving from your humble and obedient servant, Benjamin Franklin.