Chef Doug’s Family Favorite Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Brine the turkey
In a large tote, plastic container (one that will fit in your refrigerator) or cooler, combine the kosher salt, granulated sugar, apple juice and water and stir until salt and sugar is dissolved ( will often heat up the water and dissolve the sugar and salt, then add ice cold apple juice, then check to make sure the liquid is cold before brining).
Add turkey to container and make sure you have enough liquid to cover the turkey.  You can use a napkin to keep the turkey moistened with liquid. Allow the turkey to brine for 12-24 hours.
cook the turkey
Remove the turkey from the brine (discard) and allow to drain in a clean sink for 15 minutes.  Place the turkey on a cookie sheet and pat dry.  Allow to drain for 15 more minutes as this helps to create a crispy skin. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
In a large heavy bottomed roasting pan or pot (large enough to hold the turkey and all of the liquid-but small enough to fit in your oven), add canola oil and heat to smoke point. Add the onions, celery, parsnips, rutabagas and carrots and allow to brown over high heat (about 10 minutes).  After 5 minutes, add the garlic.  Only stir occasionally as you want the vegetables to brown evenly. Add tomato paste and stir to coat all vegetables.  Continue to cook for 3 minutes or until the paste looks oily and browned.  Add the grapes, thyme, bay leaf and peppercorn and continue cooking for 1 minute. Add the red wine and allow to reduce by 3/4′s (about 5 or 10 minutes). Add the chicken stock, bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Season the turkey with salt and pepper to taste (inside and outside) and coat evenly with olive oil. Place the turkey in the roasting pan (breast side up) and carefully place the turkey into the oven. Roast the turkey, evenly basting every 1/2 hour.  Cook the turkey until the center of the breast reaches 150 degrees. (2.5 hours).
Carve the turkey
Carefully remove the turkey from the oven and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes.
Place the turkey onto a large cutting board (preferably one designed for meat and poultry). All of the meat will be placed in one or two casseroles that can be served at the dinner table or on your buffet.  Place the white meat and dark meat in separate casseroles to make it easier for your guests. Start by cutting away the two legs using a kitchen shears to cut through the leg/thigh joint.  Next, carve the breast meat to desired thickness (try to slice across the grain). Turn the turkey on one side and cut away the thigh meat and do the same to the other side.  When all meat is removed, save the carcass for a great turkey barley soup. Strain all of the cooking liquid into a sauce pot and reduce to sauce consistency.  If preferred, you can dissolve 2-3 tbs of cornstarch in 1/2 cup of cold water and add to the liquid to create a pan gravy (creamier texture). When sauce is reduced to desired consistency, ladle over the sliced turkey.  Reserve enough gravy to serve in a sauce-boat at your holiday table.
Serve the turkey
Cover the casseroles with aluminum foil and heat the turkey until steaming hot.  Garnish the turkey with freshly chopped herbs.  My favorite accompaniments include my mom’s challah stuffing, housemade applesauce, sweet potatoes with toasted meringue, sautéed Brussels sprouts, shallots and bacon and cranberry-orange compote. 
Happy Thanksgiving!
Note: The turkey can be prepared the day before or in the morning and then reheated