mmApple-Brined Turkey

Tired  of chicken , try this trukey recipe . Youre family will ask for more 
"Brining introduces flavor that penetrates to the bone"  "And, because brining adds moisture, the turkey can handle high heat."  
 TIME: 3 HOURS  45 MINUTES  SERVINGS: 8     TIME(OTHER): PLUS 25 HOUR BRINING AND DRYING

BRINE :
3    cups apple juice
1    green apple, quartered
1/2    navel orange
2       tablespoons coriander seeds
2       tablespoons fennel seeds
4       tarragon sprigs

1    medium bunch of thyme2    garlic cloves, crushed
2    tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
8    sage leaves
1    tablespoon whole allspice berries
2    whole cloves
1    tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2    cups light brown sugar
1    cup kosher salt
One 15-pound turkey, legs and breast separated (see  TIP)
HERB BUTTER
6    sticks unsalted butter (1 1/2 pounds), at room temperature
3    tablespoons chopped thyme
3     tablespoons chopped parsley
2     tablespoons chopped chives
2    tablespoons chopped sage
Salt
Freshly ground pepper

BRINE THE TURKEY
1.  In a pot, combine all of the ingredients except the turkey and add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and add 12 cups of cold water. Let stand until cool. Add the turkey and refrigerate for 12 hours.

BRINE THE TURKEY
2.  Set a rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Remove the turkey from the brine and transfer it to the prepared rack; pat the turkey dry with paper towels and refrigerate it uncovered for 12 hours.

MAKE THE HERB BUTTER
3.  In a medium bowl, blend all of the ingredients except the salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 400°. Roast the turkey for about 2 hours, basting every 15 minutes with the melted herb butter and tenting the breast with foil after 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer registers 165° in the thickest part of the breast and 180° in the inner thigh. Let rest for 30 minutes. Carve and serve.

TIP:
Ask your butcher to separate the legs from the turkey.

SUGGESTED PAIRING

Spiced Pinot Noir: 2011 DeLoach Russian Riiver Valley
Heart healthy