Pair with Stags’ Leap Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or Napa Valley Chardonnay
There’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal on a crisp autumn night. The savory herb flavor of the turkey pairs perfectly with Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet’s notes of sweet red berries, plush black cherry, and blackberry. For a lighter feel, pair it with Stags’ Leap Winery Napa Valley Chardonnay. The hints of oak-spiced vanilla, brioche toast, and ginger exemplify the bright flavors of the turkey breast.
Ingredients
Turkey:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 half skin-on boneless turkey breast, about 2 ½ lbs
Allow 1 to 2 days for the turkey to brine before cooking.
Place the buttermilk and salt in a gallon-size zipper bag, followed by the breast. Seal the bag and push out any air, then rotate a few times to distribute the brine evenly. Place the bag on a sheet pan and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours.
About 2 hours before you plan to cook the turkey, remove the breast from the bag and scrape off as much buttermilk as you can. Place the turkey on a wire rack, skin side up, with a sheet pan under and let rest in the fridge.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Position a rack in the upper ⅓ of the oven. Place the turkey in the oven and roast until the breast temperature is 150°F. Tent with foil if the top is darkening too quickly. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before carving. While turkey is resting, prepare leeks and shallots.
Tip: Got a bone-in breast? No problem. Bone-in breasts will take about 15 minutes longer to cook.
Leeks and Shallots:
- 2 leeks, trimmed, cleaned, and sliced into ¼ inch rings
- 5 small shallots, cleaned and quartered
- 2 Tbsp butter + 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 5 fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt + freshly ground black pepper
In a large skillet, heat the butter and oil over low to medium heat. Add leeks, shallots, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Caramelize for 20 to 30 minutes until nicely golden brown. Remove from heat when done and serve alongside the turkey breast. Garnish with seasonal fresh herbs.
Slice turkey and enjoy.
