Thank you for your purchase of an organically fed, pastured, heirloom turkey. Wow, what a mouth full! We hope you enjoy this traditional turkey as part of your holiday meal, or any meal for that matter. Below is my favorite turkey (and chicken) marinade. I am flexible with this marinade based on what I have on hand. The most important part is having a pastured turkey for the fullest flavor. The next is to marinade it for 24 hours. Start by washing your turkey well. Some use lemon juice and/or apple cider vinegar in the wash water. Your turkey is an heirloom cross so it may have some coloration to the skin. They have not been bred to only have white skin and white feathers. This is normal. No prejudices on our farm against color just against factory farmingJ
Combine in a blender and grind:
12 cloves garlic
12 black peppercorn
1 ½ T oregano
7 T olive oil
4 T vinegar
3 T salt
1 tsp onion powder or 1 T ground onion
Fresh coriander or your favorite herbs
Rub the turkey in and out. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours. Roast breast side down well covered to maintain the moisture.
Please don’t forget to use what I consider the best part of the turkey and make the best broth you have ever had. Simply add peppercorns, 2 Tbsp salt, water and herbs if they are on hand to a pot with your leftover turkey bones.
We appreciate your support of the small family farm and sustainable agriculture. May the coming new year bring you great health. We will look forward to seeing you again next year if not before!
With best holiday wishes,
Jessica Smith
This Old Farm