Several days late--got the friend's photo this afternoon
My young Marine pal hosted the community Thanksgiving feast
at his inn this year. He and I prepared the birds.
Mine (17.28 lbs) sat in a brine for 12 hours. Other than six quarts
of water and two cups of sea salt, my brine comprised 12 black
tea bags, three-quarters of a bottle of Kilchoman Sanaig single
malt scotch whisky, the zest and juice of seven naval oranges, 10
bay leaves, a cup of brown sugar, and 12 whole cloves.
I separated the breast skin from the bird and filled the space
with a mixture of a brick of softened Kerrygold butter, 10
minced garlic cloves, and two tablespoons each of paprika and
crushed coriander and cumin seeds.
I wrapped the bird in cheesecloth before putting it in the oven.
The rest of the 25 folks from the community brought the other
fixin's. Wow! My favorite side was fresh yams and pecan butter.
Here we are ready to slice.