The Best Ever Turkey Recipe

I have had a lot of people ask me for this recipe this year, so I thought I'd just post it and share with everyone. This is, by far, the best turkey recipe I have ever had. Just remember, if it doesn't turn out for you, it's not my fault. Blame the cook. : )

Put your turkey in a 5 gallon bucket, or something about that size, and cover it with water. For every 1 gallon of water, add 1 cup salt and 1/2 c. brown sugar. Let your turkey soak in that overnight.

In the morning, stuff the turkey with a cut up pears, apples, limes, oranges, garlic and onions. i just quarter them and stuff them like that (you won't be eating these, they are just there to give flavor to the bird). Spread butter or oil the skin on top, and make a tin foil hat for the breast of the bird.

Put it in the oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes at the hottest temperature your oven will go, about 550 degrees. After 30 minutes, put the tinfoil hat on and turn the heat down to 350 degrees. **Don't forget to turn the heat down, you don't want a burnt turkey. Cook it for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or longer depending on how big your turkey is, until your meat thermometer reads 180 degrees. (The bones get hotter than the meat, so make sure you have the thermometer deep into just the mea.) Let your turkey rest for about 15-20 minutes before cutting it up and serving for the best flavor.

Gravy:
I just pour the drippings into a pan under high heat and thicken it with a mixture of corn starch and water to the desired consistency.

Happy Thanksgiving! Let me know if you have any questions!