GETTING READY

For Brining

1. In a very large pot or bucket, add the salt and sugar and pour warm water. Mix well till dissolved. Pour the cold water and add the remaining ingredients for the brine.

2. Place the turkey in it and see to it that it is immersed. Cover with a lid and refrigerate for 24 hours.

For Marinating

3. In a large bowl mix the ingredients for the Spiced Butter till well combined. Retain some amount of the spiced butter in another bowl to be used during cooking.

4. Remove the turkey from the brine and place it on a flat work surface. Using kitchen towel pat dry the turkey well from all sides.

5. Using hands detach the skin of the turkey from the meat. Remove any giblets from the cavity and empty it.

6. Slather the turkey inside the skin and on the meat and inside the cavity generously with the spiced butter. Put the turkey in a plastic bag and refrigerate for another 24 hours.

For The Oven

7. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

8. Transfer the marinated turkey into the roasting pan. Spread regular butter all over the turkey on top. Place the carrots, mushrooms, bell pepper, coriander leaves and lemon slices along with the giblets of turkey into the cavity and in the roasting pan.

MAKING

9. Cover the roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for around 2 ½ hours. Baste them with the rendered liquid once in a while.

10. After 2 ½ hours remove the turkey from the oven and spread the retained spiced butter mixture on the top generously. Place it back in the oven uncovered for another 30 minutes. Spread the butter one more time on the turkey and continue to cook for another 30 minutes.

11. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes for the juices to settle before carving to serve.

SERVING

12. In a serving platter, serve the turkey with mashed potato, salad and breads of your choice.

TIPS

If the turkey is frozen defrost it before beginning the brining process.