Bourbon Brine Coffee Rubbed Turkey…and a Giveaway

Bourbon, Coffee, and Turkey.  Sounds like a delicious nap waiting to happen, don’t you think?

All good things.  Bourbon is so flavorful, soothing, and people put it in their coffee (smart people, anyway) and both bourbon AND coffee SHOULD be a part of your Thanksgiving turkey prepping plans.

I said so.

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So, turkey prepping needs to start soon.  Wednesday, if you are eating Thursday.  That’s because you want to get your turkey in the brine.  The brine is not something you really want to taste on it’s own, but trust me, it’s good stuff.  It smells rich, it IS rich.  And you want the bird soaking in it for at least 8 hours, but 12 to 24 is even better.  Let it absorb all of that brine before drying it off and getting him cooked.

Seriously, dry him off.  Use a towel.  You want the turkey to be dry before going into the oven.  If you want some more tips and tricks about roasting a turkey – I just wrote a post about it here.  Check it out – it’s full of good info.  I’m looking out for you, kids.  A turkey is a big deal but I know you can do it.

Now – the rub.  Quick and easy.  Mix up those ingredients, and rub it on.  Softened butter squished up under the turkey skin is essential, then the rub.  Rub rub rub.  You’ll be surprised at the subtlety of the coffee – it offers a mild flavor, something more of an aroma and earthiness than anything else.  It does NOT taste like turkey dipped in coffee.  It tastes like turkey heaven.

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Bourbon Brine Coffee Rubbed Turkey

Bourbon Brine

Dissolve:  2 gallons water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1 cup brown sugar

Add:  1 Tablespoon Thyme, 1 Tablespoon Rosemary, 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder, 2 oranges, quartered, 1 lemon, quartered, and 1 1/2 cup good bourbon.

Stir together and add turkey to the brine.

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Coffee Herb Rub

Combine: 2 Tablespoons onion powder, 2 Tablespoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 Tablespoon thyme, 2 teaspoons rosemary, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 Tablespoon coffee grounds.  Use as needed on prepared, uncooked turkey.

Lavazza Giveaway

So, thanks to Lavazza bring a sponsor of my blogging conference, Mixed, I was in possession of a few bags of their fantastic coffee.  This is what I chose to use in my rub… the Perfetto blend. Great choice!

Once I tasted the results, I contacted them and told them what I’d done…and now they want YOU to experience their coffee as well!  They are graciously offering one of you a four pack of a variety of their ground coffee, as well as a $100 Visa Gift Card to put towards…well, whatever you want!  A turkey?  A Keurig?  A night in a hotel, where it’s quiet and you can watch whatever TV station you want?

The choice is yours.

Just let me know you’d like to win it.  Leave a comment!

For additional entries:

  • Check out the Lavazza page and tell me which of the coffee flavors most appeals to you.  Leave a separate comment for this.
  • Share this post on Facebook or Twitter.  Be sure to tag me on Twitter – I’m @doughmesstic – again, leave a separate comment.

There you are, THREE chances to win this Lavazza prize pack and $100.  I know you’ll love it as much as I do!

 

Disclaimer:  This giveaway is courtesy of Lavazza, and will be shipped and supplied by Lavazza.  Recipe, all thoughts, and opinions are my own.  Winner will be chosen at random.  US Addresses only.  Contest open until 11:59pm EST November 30, 2014.  Winner will be notified via email provided.  Good luck!

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