Herb Roasted Turkey

Celebrate the holiday season with a twist on a classic dish! This Herb Roasted Turkey with Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is not only a delightful feast for the eyes, but it’s also a tantalizing delight that will surely make your gathering a hit. The aromatic blend of herbs and the subtle warmth of the infused oil elevate the flavor profile to a new high (literally and figuratively). Whether you’re cooking for a gathering of cannabis connoisseurs or looking to add a discreet touch of THC to your festive meal, this recipe is perfect for making memories that will have everyone feeling merry and bright.

Serves: 8-10

Cooking time: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey
• 2 cups cannabis-infused olive oil (see notes for infusion recipe)
• 1/2 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon ground rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 orange, zest and juice
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

•  Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour before cooking.
• Wash and pat dry the turkey with paper towels. Make sure to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.

2. Infusion:

•  If you haven’t already made the cannabis-infused olive oil, start by decarboxylating your cannabis. Spread 1/2 cup of finely ground cannabis on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 240°F (115°C).
• In a slow cooker or double boiler, combine 2 cups of olive oil with the decarboxylated cannabis. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, ensuring the temperature stays between 160°F-180°F (70°C-80°C) to activate the THC without burning off the terpenes.
• Once infused, strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a clean container and allow it to cool.

3. Herb Paste:

• In a small bowl, combine the chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, paprika, ground sage, ground rosemary, ground thyme, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well to create a fragrant herb paste.
• Gradually add the cannabis-infused olive oil to the paste while mixing until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.

4. Stuffing:

•  In a separate bowl, mix the chopped onion, celery, and carrots with the lemon and orange juices.

5. Seasoning the Turkey:

• Gently loosen the turkey skin and rub the herb paste underneath and over the entire bird, including the legs and wings. Make sure to cover all the nooks and crannies!
• Stuff the cavity with the onion, celery, and carrot mixture for extra flavor and moisture.
• Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.

6. Roasting:

• Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and drizzle the remaining cannabis-infused olive oil over the top.
• Pour the white wine and chicken or turkey stock into the roasting pan to create a flavorful base for the gravy.
• Roast the turkey for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
• Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep the skin crispy and the meat moist.

7. Resting:

• Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

8. Serving:

• Carve the turkey and serve it with the pan gravy made from the juices and wine reduction.
• Remember to enjoy responsibly, as this recipe contains THC.

Notes:

• The strength of the infused oil will depend on the potency of the cannabis used. Adjust the amount of infused oil to your desired dosage.
• It’s essential to decarboxylate the cannabis before infusing it into the oil to activate the THC.
• Always use a food-safe method when infusing oil and handle with caution as it may be potent.
• Store any leftover infused oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future culinary adventures.

This Herb Roasted Turkey with Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil is a delicious and unique way to incorporate cannabis into your holiday meal. The blend of herbs and the rich, savory flavors of the turkey are enhanced by the subtle notes of cannabis, creating a delightful symphony of taste that’s sure to leave your guests feeling festive and satisfied. Remember to enjoy responsibly and make this year’s celebration one to remember!