Full question
I am planning ahead - I would like to make the Spiced and Superjuicy Turkey for Easter. Does the addition of oranges and cloves to the brine really permeate the turkey as I don't really like cloves? Would the recipe also work for a turkey crown?
Our answer
Nigella's Spiced And Superjuicy Turkey (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS is wonderful for a celebration at any time of the year. The brine keeps the turkey moist during cooking and helps to season and infuse the turkey with flavour. It includes a variety of spices and if you don't like one of them, such as cloves, then it is possible to omit it. The oranges provide some flavour and a small amount of acidity, which helps to tenderize the turkey a little, but you could use a large lemon instead of the oranges.
The recipe can be used for a turkey crown, though you are unlikely to need the full quantity of brine, as a crown is smaller, and we would suggest making a half quantity instead. The brining time does not need to be so long either and we would suggest 6 hours. You can do this the afternoon before, then drain the turkey, pat it dry with paper towels and store it, loosely covered, in the bottom of the fridge overnight. You may also like to consider Nigella's [Turkey Breast Stuffed With Italian Sausage And Marsala-Steeped Cranberries](https://www.nigella.com/recipes/turkey-breast-stuffed-with-italian-sausage-and-marsala-steeped-cranberries], as this is also very good served hot or cold and if served cold can be cooked up to 2 days in advance.
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