Thursday, November 22, 2007

Never Too Late

A few years ago I decided to roast a turkey on my Weber Silver C. I had purchased a rotisserie designed to work with my Weber grill and I was determined to find a recipe that would provide something a bit different than the oven-roasted turkey I had enjoyed on Thanksgiving for so many years. Happily, I found a recipe in another of Weber's contributions to the art of grilling, and I herewith present it as the holy grail of best-tasting turkey recipes. This one provided a richness of flavor that went to the bone, and I have never forgotten how special it was. It's too late for this year's Thanksgiving holiday; perhaps I'll make it for Chriskwanzukah. I produce it below for anyone to enjoy. It's really quite easy and incredibly delicioso. Enjoy!

Sage, Orange, and Clove Rotisserie Turkey

From Weber’s Big Book of Grilling™

For the rub:

2 tablespoons granulated orange peel
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 turkey, 12 to 14 pounds
2 small oranges, washed and dried
12 whole cloves
6 medium garlic cloves, crushed
1 bunch fresh sage, tied with cotton string

To make the rub: In a small bowl combine the rub ingredients. Set aside. Remove the pop-up timer, as well as the neck, giblets, and any excess fat from the turkey and discard. Rinse the turkey, inside and out, under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Pierce the oranges several times with a knife and insert six whole cloves into each of them. Put the clove-studded oranges, garlic, and sage into the turkey cavity. Truss the turkey with cotton string. Pin the neck skin flap to the body with two or three small trussing needles.

Skewer the turkey lengthwise through the oranges and center on the spit. Rub the entire exterior with the rub mixture, pressing it into the skin. Set the spit on the rotisserie and let the turkey rotate over Indirect Medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 170°F in the breast and 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh, 2 ¼ to 2 ½ hours.

Turn off the rotisserie. Wearing barbecue mitts, carefully remove the spit from the rotisserie and place it on a cutting board. Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes. Remove the spit and discard the oranges, garlic, and sage. Carve the turkey into serving pieces. Serve warm.

Makes 12 to 14 servings

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