Food Friday - Puerto Rican Roasted Turkey

Well, I've been meaning to share a few recipes from Thanksgiving but haven't had a chance until today.  This week I'm going to share the main course - the fantastic recipe for the Turkey.  I know many families have both Turkey and Ham at Christmas so, if that is you, try this recipe out for something new.

I did not get any pictures of the food (Insane, I know!) but here's our table before we started eating!

Puerto Rican Roasted Turkey
adapted from Jeff McMaster (my brother!)

In 2010, our family went to my brother Jeff's house for Thanksgiving.  My sister-in-law, Nora, is Puerto Rican so through they years he has mastered several Puerto Rican recipes.  We were all amazed how how superb the turkey was and, yes, it was the best turkey I've ever eaten.  Since I was doing Thanksgiving at my house this year, I begged him for the recipe (which he gave up freely!) and tried my hand at it.  The turkey was fantastic.  The biggest thing to remember - the turkey HAS to be thawed by the day before because it has to marinade for 24 hours. 

For every pound of turkey, mix together:
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 black peppercorn, crushed
1/4 cup dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon vinegar

Rub the mixture inside and out of the turkey - use it all up!
Put the turkey in a baking bag and put it in the refrigerator overnight to marinade; Cook according to directions. 

Super easy and SOOOO good.  In case you are wondering about the vinegar - it helps keep the turkey extra moist; don't let it scare you :-)