Day 3 of Turkey Day

I am a huge fan of Guy Fieri on The Food Network, I try to watch him as often as possible because he's always in a great mood and he likes to add some of my favorite flavors to normal dishes, he gives them a little something extra.  This past year I saw an episode of his called "Mean Green Turkey Machine" and decided to try it, it is one of the best turkey's I have cooked in my life!  I have got to share this recipe with everyone!  I am making it for Thanksgiving this year, I hope you like it as much as we do and try it at your home as well!

Guy Fieri's "Mean Green Turkey Machine"
12 to 14 pound turkey

Brine, recipe follows

1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more for seasoning

1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

4 large poblano peppers

2 jalapeno peppers

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 cup chopped cilantro leaves, (about 1 bunch), plus 1/2 bunch, whole leaves

2 cups sliced scallions, (about 2 bunches)

2 limes, 1 zested and juiced, 1 cut in 1/2

1/2 cup tequila, divided

1 onion, peeled and quartered

1 cup chicken stock

1/3 cup half-and-half

Rinse the turkey. Add the brine to a large container or resealable plastic bag and submerge the turkey. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.  Rinse and dry the turkey. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. Prepare the peppers by arranging them under a low broiler until blackened. Put them in a large bowl and cover with foil until cool enough to handle. Remove the skin, stems and seeds (do not rinse under water) and dice.  In a medium saute pan over medium-high heat, add the canola oil and when hot, add the diced peppers and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the, garlic, cumin, chopped cilantro and the scallions. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes and season with a little salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lime, and deglaze with 1/4 cup of the tequila. Remove from heat, transfer to a plate, spreading evenly, and allow to cool.  Carefully run your hand under breast skin of the turkey, creating a pocket from the neck to the bottom of breast on both sides. Stand the turkey up in a large bowl or 8 cup measuring container, to assist in keeping the turkey upright. Gently stuff half of the pepper mixture into each skin pocket, lay the bird on its back and even out the pepper stuffing. Trim any extra fat off the body and tuck the wings behind.  Put the onion, a 1/2 bunch of cilantro and the cut lime halves into the cavity and arrange on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.  Roast until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 15 to 20 minutes per pound, about 3 1/2 hours. Remove the turkey from the oven to a cutting board. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 15 minutes.  While the turkey is resting, skim any fat off the top of the pan drippings and heat over medium-high heat. Scrape any bits off the bottom and add the chicken stock. Reduce for 8 minutes, then lower the heat and add the half-and-half and remaining tequila. Reduce for 5 minutes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Strain and hold warm.  Carve the turkey, arrange on a serving platter and serve with the au jus.

Brine:

4 cups water

1/2 cup kosher salt

1/2 cup agave syrup

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

6 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

1 bay leaf

In a medium saucepan over high heat, add 2 cups of the water and the remaining ingredients. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Add the remaining 2 cups of water and allow the brine to cool to room temperature before using.

I hope everyone is as happy with this unconventional turkey recipe for their Thanksgiving as we are, it is such a nice change from the normal blan turkey's from the past.  Happy Shopping and...

                                     Happy Thanksgiving!!!