Every month this group comes together with a virtual menu, that we can share.
For the month of December, we are celebrating Holiday Traditions. I searched through the oodles of online recipies until I found this CookingLightRecipe for a brined turkey. That would be just what I needed for a quick holiday dinner before I headed to Boston for Thanksgiving.
~ a little Turkey, before the Turkey.
Honey-Thyme brined Turkey Breast
7 cups water, divided
3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
6 thyme sprigs
1/2 cup kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups ice cubes
1 (6-pound) whole bone-in turkey breast, skinned
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Cooking spray
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Preparation
Combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons pepper, and thyme sprigs in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and remove from heat. Pour into a large bowl; cool to room temperature. Add remaining 6 cups water, salt, honey, and sugar, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Pour salt mixture into a 2-gallon zip-top plastic bag. Add ice and turkey; seal. Refrigerate 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Remove turkey from bag, and discard brine. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
Rub turkey with oil. Combine 1 tablespoon pepper and chopped thyme; rub over turkey.
Preheat oven to 400°.
Place the turkey on a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 1 hour or until thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the breast registers 180°. Place turkey on a platter. Cover with foil; let stand 15 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.
I think a turkey breast is great anytime of the year. . . this simple recipe is a keeper! The turkey breast was moist, with a fresh flavor of thyme and hint of honey. I threw in some veggies to roast... they were perfect too.
Rub turkey with oil. Combine 1 tablespoon pepper and chopped thyme; rub over turkey.
Preheat oven to 400°.
Place the turkey on a roasting pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 1 hour or until thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the breast registers 180°. Place turkey on a platter. Cover with foil; let stand 15 minutes. Garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.
I think a turkey breast is great anytime of the year. . . this simple recipe is a keeper! The turkey breast was moist, with a fresh flavor of thyme and hint of honey. I threw in some veggies to roast... they were perfect too.
Now . . . let's see what everyone else has brought for our Holiday Celebration.
Jerry has made a traditional Holiday Panettone.
Val is making Tourtiere
Giz has the soup ~ a Choppino
Susan is bringing the ever-popular Green Bean Casserole ~ Cooking Light style.
Y'all enjoy ~
Sandi