Preparation and Cooking Time- 24 hours including the brine.

Serves however many you are having round for Christmas dinner!

Dry boring turkey. Year after year we put up with the same old over cooked, dry and quite frankly pretty naff turkey, knowing that it’s going to be on the menu every day for the next week or so. No more. This recipe will ensure that you turkey is moist and delicious. Brining the turkey makes all of the difference and although a little faffy, it is completely worth it for the special day. Just have a little patience, be organised and this is the easiest turkey you will ever make.

Approximate cost of dish- Depends on turkey size.

For the brine

3/4 cup of Sugar

1/3 cup Salt

Half a whole nutmeg

4 Star Anise

10 Cloves

2 Cinnamon sticks

2 Oranges

1 Lemon

Water

Ice

For the turkey

1 pack streaky bacon

Method

1. Half fill a stock pot large enough for your turkey with water and add all of the ingredients for the brine, minus the ice to the water then bring to the boil.

2. Cool down the brine with your ice and once the brine is cool, add your turkey and allow to brine overnight.

3. When it’s time to get your turkey on, dry the turkey with kitchen roll and cover with bacon and put your turkey in the pan and cook.

4. When the turkey is cooked (you’ll know it’s cooked because the juices will be clear, with no pink then them), allow your turkey to rest. This is very important for a juicy turkey. It will want around 45 mins. Just cover it in tin foil and tea towels to keep it warm.

5. There you have it, the most perfect, juicy Christmassy turkey you could ever wish for.