topic Re: Empire Kosher Turkey in Recipes

Empire Kosher Turkey

PA Mom-mom — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:25:21 GMT

Do you have any experience with roasting Empire Kosher Turkeys? They have been salted and brined before you buy them. When you go to the website, the recipe for roast turkey calls for brining the turkey. So that would mean it would get brined twice. That doesn't make sense to me. I'd like to try one, because a co-worker who had worked at Empire, told me they were the BEST fresh turkeys.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

eddyandme — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:33:06 GMT

In my old cooking days, I bought an Empire Kosher turkey once - onlyy once, 'cause they're hard to find around here. Best turkey we all every had - everyone raved about it.

I did not brine it. I just cooked it like I cooked any other turkey. But, imho, they're better than all other turkeys.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

PA Mom-mom — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:45:45 GMT

Thanks @eddyandme . I can get them at a Wegman's about 15 miles from my house. I was always afraid to try one when my whole family came, in case I ruined it. But there will only be 10 of us this year, and non-judgemental besides

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

eddyandme — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:53:06 GMT

@PA Mom-mom wrote:
Thanks @eddyandme . I can get them at a Wegman's about 15 miles from my house. I was always afraid to try one when my whole family came, in case I ruined it. But there will only be 10 of us this year, and non-judgemental besides

You're welcome @PA Mom-mom . I got mine years ago at BigY, but now there is a Wegman's not that far away. If I were still cooking I'd definitely ick one up!

Don't worry, they'll all love it! Just used to butter it up and convention cook it.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

Zhills — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:53:37 GMT

@eddyandme wrote:

In my old cooking days, I bought an Empire Kosher turkey once - onlyy once, 'cause they're hard to find around here. Best turkey we all every had - everyone raved about it.

I did not brine it. I just cooked it like I cooked any other turkey. But, imho, they're better than all other turkeys.

What she said! Delicious, just like it is!

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

PA Mom-mom — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 17:55:54 GMT

@Zhills and @eddyandme I usually butter and heavily salt the cavity and outside. Should I cut down on the salt or leave it out altogether?

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

eddyandme — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:00:45 GMT

@PA Mom-mom wrote:
@Zhills and @eddyandme I usually butter and heavily salt the cavity and outside. Should I cut down on the salt or leave it out altogether?

I never salted the inside - but I'm no Julia Child!

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

Zhills — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:25:25 GMT

Farm fresh, all natural whole turkey with no antibiotics ever. Ready to be thawed and cooked. Salted and soaked according to Kashrut practice. Kosher for Passover.

I don't remember adding any salt!

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

I am still oxox — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 18:47:54 GMT

They are brined as part of the Koshering process

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

evelyner — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 04:59:23 GMT

I only buy kosher so I'm very familiar with empire turkeys. I personally don't salt them. BTW they are not truly brined. Does not brine mean the turkey is in salt water all night. Kosher turkey are only in salt for a bit. Kosher turkeys are not killed the same way unkosher turkeys are killed.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

novamc1 — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 09:03:36 GMT

Saved in my recipe files (and cut from some publication a long time ago)-- an easy way to "brine" turkey or chicken..............

In fact, the instructions are labeled "The #1 Secret to the Best Turkey".

"Dry-brine your bird for maximum flavor, juicier meat and the crispiest skin. Rub herbs and 2 tablespoons salt all over the bird, pop it in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 2 days before baking. Less mess and easier prep than a salt-water soak."

I do salt beef steaks far ahead of cooking, which is recommended by grilling experts, but have never tried it for poultry.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

Zhills — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:28:23 GMT

@evelyner wrote:
I only buy kosher so I'm very familiar with empire turkeys. I personally don't salt them. BTW they are not truly brined. Does not brine mean the turkey is in salt water all night. Kosher turkey are only in salt for a bit. Kosher turkeys are not killed the same way unkosher turkeys are killed.

Brining is placing meat in salt water! Overnight is just for convenience. Chops brine in 30 mins.

The fact that the Empire turkeys are not as salty as a Butterball is why they are so much tastier.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey - Updated!

PA Mom-mom — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 21:33:38 GMT

Here's my report on the Empire turkey. IT WAS GREAT! DH said it was the best turkey he's ever had! Totally different! There were two surprises upon opening the wrapping. 1. No neck or giblets! I went to the website, and was informed if the giblets are damaged or dirtied in any way, they are not included with the turkey. 2. Lots of pin feathers. I spent about 30 minutes pulling out pin feathers. Website explains this as well. I made a "giblets" broth by using chicken broth enhanced with fresh herbs, carrots, onion and celery. Not bad. I'm going to get a kosher turkey again next year.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey - Updated!

PA Mom-mom — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 00:30:07 GMT

@eddyandme @evelyner @evelyner I should have tagged you on this.

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey - Updated!

eddyandme — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 00:40:06 GMT

Glad you enjoyed it, @PA Mom-mom ! These turkeys are very hard to find around here, but if you do, they can't be beat!

Re: Empire Kosher Turkey

qbetzforreal — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 03:36:23 GMT

Kosher turkeys are the best.