What herbs and spices make a turkey extra yummy?

[Syrinx]

I'm going to brine one, so I probably shouldn't put anymore salt on it. So what herbs and spices will be good? I'm thinking cayenne and garlic. What do you suggest?

[corarose]

1. Cilantro, Sage or Rosemary?

Are you going to add some lemon to your brine?

[Syrinx]

3. I hadn't thought of that

Is it good? How much?

[corarose]

4. I have a brine recipe but I don't know how good it is

Do you want it?

[Syrinx]

6. I was really just doing the saltwater thing, but...

If you have a recipe, and it's no trouble, I wouldn't mind looking at it.

[Zomby Woof]

2. sage

Sage is good with poultry, as is basil or thyme.

[Syrinx]

5. I have dried basil and thyme, but no sage

Are dried okay, or should I go buy some fresh? Sage is in "poultry seasoning," right? I think I've got some of that too.

I'm sure there are some stores around here to get good fresh herbs, but I'll have to look around. Winn-Dixie has a very small selection, I think.

[corarose]

7. You have to use Sage

It's a must.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

8. Yes it is and you GOTTA have sage for turkey

but if you aren't real used to cooking with it then it is best to get a poultry seasoning with it in it. There is also a french mixture of spices called herb provence that is good on all poultry. You can get it in most stores.

[Syrinx]

9. thanks for the advice

I've NEVER cooked a turkey before, and I'm trying to cover all my bases and make it come out right. I think I have some poultry seasoning, but I don't know how old it is. I better replace it!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. Good idea

Spices can get critters in them if they sit too long in a cupboard...ESPECIALLY in the south ;-) (Bama right?)

If I might offer a suggestion for a first time turkey chef...get a turkey bag to cook it in. For first timers this is a good way to make sure your turkey stays moist. Invest in what is known as a grease separater. They are only about 2 bucks at a store..this allows you to separate the grease from the juice when making gravy.

Do you already know how to make gravy? Need any tips?

Measure your turkey's weight and cook it exactly as long as it takes for the number of pounds...DON'T GUESS.

I assume you already know temps etc.

[Syrinx]

12. I chickened out on the gravy already

I bought a jar of gravy. I know that sucks, and I've made chicken gravy and beef gravy before, but I've got my hands full. :)

I never heard of a grease separator before.

And yes I'm in 'Bama, home of humidity and critters! :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

13. The gravy is a snap because you have to let the turkey cool a bit

when you get it out of the oven. Make a check list and work off it. Are you making everything? Or just the turkey?

[Syrinx]

14. turkey and dressing and deviled eggs and stuffed celery and...

Green beans, and some other stuff maybe that I can't remember right now. Oh yeah, corn on the cob.

I'm not stuffing the turkey, but making "dressing" separate. I guess that's a southern thing.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

15. Sounds great! Enjoy!

Hope it comes out great.

[Syrinx]

19. thanks!

I'll pm you some leftovers. :)

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

21. I'll be checking my inbox!

Bon apetite!

[corarose]

23. Jar Gravy will do

I like the gravy with the giblets in it and it saves you a step.

[pansypoo53219]

11. i would say

a little cuurry and marjoram, i always put that in my chicken soup.

[A HERETIC I AM]

16. BUY AN ACCURATE THERMOMETER FOR THE OVEN!!!!!!!!

buy a good thermometer that sits on the rack in your oven. Sage, and Rosemary, in answer to your question. www.foodtv.com Good site....lots of good help. Bon Appetite! and Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

[grasswire]

17. aggh?? Garlic on turkey?

(shudder)

Emeril Lagasse brined a turkey on his show the other day. He used 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup sugar per gallon of water, and squeezed in lemons and oranges and threw in the peels. Then he added handsful of fresh herbs. Sage, thyme, etc. It looked delicious!

[grasswire]

18. and...

....when you roast the turkey, put this inside the cavity:

a quartered onion, some celery stalks, and poultry seasoning. This will give you the perfume in your home that makes men weak in the knees and young women cry for joy.

[montana_hazeleyes]

20. I hope I'm not breaking any rules

by mentioning a brand name, but you can try Bell's Seasoning.It's been around for years and is very good.It is a blend of rosemary,oregano,sage,ginger,marjoram,thyme and pepper.

It comes in a little yellow box with a picture of a turkey on the front.

Personally,I wouldn't use cilantro because it is one of those things that some people love and others(like me ) can't stand.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

22. Excellent advice

I forgot about that stuff. I love it.

I don't think it's a problem to mention brand names and the point about cilantro is well taken.