Name: Deconstructed Holiday Turkey with Sage Gravy
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 (6 1/2 to 7 pound) turkey breast on the bone; 3 turkey drumsticks (about 2 1/4 pounds total); 2 turkey thighs (about 1 1/2 pounds total); 1/4 cup kosher salt; 1/4 cup honey; 1 head garlic, cut in half (do not peel); 2 dried bay leaves; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 large whole sprigs fresh sage; 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns; 2 teaspoons allspice berries; 1/4 cup fresh celery leaves (from 1 bunch); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; Leaves from 2 large sprigs sage, plus several whole sprigs for garnish; 2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper

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Deconstructed Holiday Turkey with Sage GravyStephen Sullivan

Ted Allen created this recipe for Epicurious as part of a Thanksgiving menu. For Allen's tips on throwing a Thanksgiving party, click here.

You can marinate the turkey in brine, as specified here, or you can skip that step and just rub the pieces with butter, salt, pepper, and herbs. I wouldn't skip it, though — brining is the best thing ever to happen to turkey, producing lovely, moist meat, beautifully seasoned through and through.

Recipe notes

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Recipe notes

Ted Allen's Modern Thanksgiving Menu