For Brine:
In large, deep container such as a bucket, combine sugar, salt, water, herbs and spices and stir until sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Submerge turkey, breast side down in brine, cover and refrigerate 24 hours, then remove turkey from brine and discard brine.
For Turkey:
Preheat oven to 450F. In small bowl, combine thyme, sage, orange zest and juice, crushed peppercorns, garlic, salt and 2 Tablespoons of the olive oil. Mix thoroughly.
Remove neck and giblets from turkey and set aside. Rub mixture evenly all over inner cavity and outside of turkey. In large roasting pan, combine neck and giblets with onion, carrots, celery and remaining olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper and toss to lightly coat vegetables. Spread evenly over bottom of roasting pan.
Place marinated turkey on top of vegetables in center of pan and place in oven. Immediately reduce temperature to 325F and set timer for 2 1/2 hours.
After 2 1/2 hours, using instant read thermometer, check internal temperature of turkey by inserting tip of thermometer deep between thigh bone and breast. When internal temperature reaches 160F, remove turkey from oven. Place turkey on large platter, cover with foil and set aside. Remove neck and giblets and discard. Remove vegetables from roasting pan, place in serving dish, cover and set aside.
Add white wine to roasting pan and set over medium flame about 10 minutes to deglaze roasting juices dissolved from the pan. Turn off flame and set aside.
For Sauce:
In sauté pan over medium heat, cook pancetta until crispy. Add parsley, pine nuts and lemon zest and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine mixture from roasting pan along with lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan. Bring to boil, remove from heat and adjust seasoning.
To Serve:
Slice turkey and serve with roasted vegetables and top with spoonful of sauce.
Use your AOL screen name to sign in and add your
own rating and review.
Sign In Now
Don't have a screen name yet? Register here and
you'll soon be on your way to rating & reviewing
recipes.
Register
ADVERTISEMENT
Plagued by the age-old question "What's for dinner"? We've got a recipe for every night of the week.