Reviewed: Jan. 21, 2013

I made my first turkey followed the recipe to a T, it was good but not enough.. The second I doubled everything except the apple cider (3 cups instead of two) and for the fresh thyme and marjoram put half in the bird and sprinkle half all around it, I used a whole lemon all the skin and squeezed it too :) I also buttered my bird a lot lol if you lift the skin on the top, the breast(without ripping, because you have to pull it back over) stuff and rub butter inside under the skin (real butter) wow so tender n juicy and dont forget baste your turkey every 20 min!! set a timer, pain in the butt but well worth it in the end. also I found it is unnecessary to roast for 30 min before you cover.. do that at the end ( uncovered turkey needs basting every 10 min) Do not over cook, follow instruction on turkey weight=time and and check internal temp. I had a lot of complements, I also made the gravy, I myself didn't like it but my guests did.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
0 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Janene

Cooking Level: Expert

Reviewed: May 4, 2012

I prepared this turkey but did not add the chicken broth... it caramelizes very well with apple cider and maple syrup reduction. It turned out very juicy and nice and golden glaze.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

moose1969

Reviewed: Feb. 19, 2012

There are a couple other recipes that are exactly like this one except a few small variances. I chose to go by this recipe since my turkey was closer to a 12 pounder. I have to first off say that this was my first time making a turkey. Between the flavorful marinade in this recipe, brining the turkey, and the way I cooked it (breast side down and no foil), this was the most moist and flavorful turkey I have ever eaten anywhere! I pretty much went by the ingredients exactly except I didn't use brandy and I only had margarine instead of butter. Next time I will make sure to use butter because the sauce didn't set up to well and was a little liquid-y, so when rubbing on the turkey it wanted to drip off. I also made a solution of apple cider and maple syrup, boiled it down, and used a flavor injector to inject a little more flavor into the meat. I dont think it was really necessary but I thought what the hay, more flavor is always good! Next time I wont do that though, because between that and the butter mixture, the gravy was a little sweeter than it should of been. But it was still excellent! Thanks for this great flavorful recipe! When I have the chance at making a turkey again I will for sure use this recipe!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

pink

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Aurora, Indiana, USA

Living In: Moores Hill, Indiana, USA

Reviewed: Jan. 20, 2012

Years ago I used this recipe for the first turkey I ever cooked and it came out beautifully! In the years since, I have made slight alterations like apple juice instead of apple cider and I use it as a brine. Every year it is a HUGE hit with the family and now I am the designated cook for Thanksgiving. I highly recommend this recipe! It's delicious as is and can be tailored to suit your particular tastes. Bravo!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
1 user found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Chrysalyze

Reviewed: Dec. 23, 2011

I made it this year, and it was BY FAR the best one yet.. I have been asked to make it again for Christmas!

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

christine

Reviewed: Nov. 18, 2011

This is the one recipe I always come back to, no matter what else I find.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
12 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

BARBARA_LUSHER

Cooking Level: Expert

Living In: Vienna, Wien, Austria

Reviewed: Aug. 5, 2011

I made this in my crock pot. My boyfriend loved it.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Bal91

Reviewed: Feb. 1, 2011

Loved it. Going to make it again. The gravy was the best.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
2 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

SWILLICK

Reviewed: Jan. 16, 2011

This is FABULOUS!!! I can't keep myself from the kitchen to grab "just another bite". The gravy is "to die for". This is a keeper and a recipe I'll pass down to my daughter ( but do I have to confess that it's not one of my own?). Thanks for sharing.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
3 users found this review helpful

Reviewer:

Nana Hughes

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Smithfield, Rhode Island, USA

Reviewed: Dec. 21, 2010

This is by far the best turkey and gravy I've ever made, and probably the best I've ever tasted. Made it this past Thanksgiving and everybody loved it.

Was this review helpful? [ YES ]
3 users found this review helpful