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Apple Cider Turkey

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

This post is sponsored by Camp Chef. I received the Turkey Cannon to review, however all thoughts and opinions, glowing, gushing, or otherwise are 100% my own.

It’s that time of year again. That time when the cook of the house wakes early, takes the bird they’ve prepped the night before, and tosses it in the oven before anyone else arises.

By the time everyone else has awoken, the subtle fragrance begins to permeate the house. By noon, all the football fans or board game players are roaming in and out of the kitchen begging for a sample of something, anything, while the cook(s) are working on the numerous side dishes.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

It’s been a long time since I have been one of those who come in and beg for samples. For almost two decades, I am the one who rises early and gets my bird, usually named with an H name (I’m quirky like that) and tosses him in the oven. Within a few hours, he’ll be tempting anyone who may be dining with me that year.

One of my yearly obstacles in making the holiday meal is the juggling act that comes with.  It’s the fine dance of giving the bird enough time in the oven while figuring out how to cook the many sides. Adding to my struggle is how small my oven is (or the fact I only have one oven.)

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

How to Use a Turkey Cannon

This year, I have teamed up with Camp Chef to try out their Turkey Cannon and have decided to use my Apple Cider Turkey recipe as a guinea pig.

The Turkey Cannon has taken the notion of beer can chicken and exalted it to new heights. While it’s a tad medieval looking, the promise of cooking a turkey on warp speed was beyond alluring.

A turkey that had the potential to be done in two hours, give or take, was something I just had to try.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

The concept is simple enough, fill the cannon with a liquid of your choice, insert your Henry, Hector, or Hugo over the cannon, stuff the neck opening with lemons or onions, or both.

Place it in the oven, let it cook for about an hour, then begin checking it with a thermometer to see if it has reached the internal temperature of 160°F. The bird (and all meat) still cook for a bit after being removed from the oven, reaching the recommended temperature.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

Hugo, my bird this year, was just under 12 lbs. Not a terribly large bird but still large enough to overfeed my small and young family.

All in all, my turkey cooked in around 2 hours. Time had to be compensated for due to opening the oven door, checking the temp, and continuing to cook.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

At the two-hour mark, I couldn’t believe my eyes or my thermometer. The temps were registering the correct degrees. Hugo was done! I pulled him out of the oven and allowed him to rest for about 15 minutes.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

How to Cook a Juicy Turkey

Now for the moment of truth…dry or juicy?

Hugo was the juiciest bird I have EVER made. I have made several birds in my lifetime, some terrific, some, well, um, not so much. But this one, this one goes down in my turkey hall of fame.

I filled the cannon with freshly pressed apple cider, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme.

Garlic and onions went under the skin in various places.  I stuffed the neck with garlic, onions, and more herbs. Finally, I slathered some butter on the outside skin and that was it.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef
The apple cider gave the turkey the most exquisite taste. My Apple Cider Turkey tasted like the quintessential fall dish—herbs, turkey, and apple, all in one bite.

Without a doubt, I am a fan of this Turkey Cannon. The quick cooking time freed up my oven for the other side dishes.

The only downside to cannon is you cannot stuff the bird with stuffing. But this was a tiny sacrifice for how quickly and evenly the turkey cooked and how juicy it came out.

Also, do not trust that red pokey thing that comes on the turkey as a gauge of doneness; use the meat thermometer.

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

Cleaning the Turkey Cannon was simple too. Hot soapy water, a bottlebrush, a sponge and I was done.

I am a Turkey Cannon Convert!

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

What Side Dishes to Make with a Turkey

What to Do With Leftover Turkey

Turkey Tetrazzini

Turkey and Buttermilk Dumplings

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

You can also substitute turkey for chicken in this wonderful Quick Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

 

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist by Michelle De La Cerda

Apple Cider Turkey

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple, Thanksgiving, Turkey
Author: Michelle De La Cerda

Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird.

Print

Ingredients

  • 1 turkey; thawed with giblets removed
  • 1 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme; chopped
  • 1/2 tsp fresh sage; chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic; sliced
  • 1/2 onion; sliced
  • Sprigs of fresh herbs
  • 4 tbsp butter; softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

  2. Remove turkey from packaging; remove giblets.  Wash and/or pat turkey dry, set aside.

  3. Whisk the cider, sage, thyme, salt and pepper together.

  4. Place cannon in a roasting pan or baking sheet to catch the drippings.

  5. Pour liquid into the cannon.

  6. Place turkey onto cannon, tucking wings.

  7. Pull skin up and place onions and garlic on the breast and in the leg area.

  8. Stuff neck opening with onions, garlic, and herb sprigs.

  9. Rub the turkey all over with the soften butter.
  10. Place in a preheated 325°F oven.

  11. Cook for about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes and then begin checking the temperature.

  12. Check internal temperature. Remove the turkey when an instant read thermometer registers 160°F.

  13. Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes (it will reach 165°F while resting).

  14. Remove the turkey from the cannon and place on a cutting board, discard the liquid.

  15. Carve, serve, and enjoy. 

Apple Cider Turkey ~ Turkey roasted and steamed from the inside with freshly pressed apple cider and herbs using the Turkey Cannon makes a moist, fragrant, and delicious bird ~ The Complete Savorist #campchef

 

Thank you for sharing!

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65 Comments

  • Reply
    Michela @ From Italy With Food
    November 12, 2014 at 4:38 am

    It looks very tasty! I love how the skin looks so crisp, it’s perfectly golden 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:49 am

      Thank you Michela, butter is the key to the crispy skin. I try to not eat too much of it, but it’s beyond tempting.

  • Reply
    Beth ( OMG! Yummy)
    November 12, 2014 at 6:16 am

    i just did my first sponsored post as well. Nice job – love the flavors you used. And what a neat product idea!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:48 am

      Thank you Beth. I had just pressed the apple cider a few days before and literally had gallons of it…why not use it with the turkey! 🙂

  • Reply
    Christina Lakey | Food Apparel
    November 12, 2014 at 7:05 am

    Michelle:
    Wow – I have never ever even heard of a turkey cannon before. This is such an interesting concept to me! I’ll have to look into it a big more. Also, that whole combo of herbs with the cider just sounds delicious!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:47 am

      Thank you Christina, the cannon was new to me as well. I have done ‘beer can chicken’ or my favorite ‘ginger ale chicken’ so I was intrigued by the cannon concept, but mostly where the accelerated cooking time was concerned. The herbs and cider were just a wonderful combo.

  • Reply
    elizabeth @LocalSavour
    November 12, 2014 at 7:13 am

    That looks amazing Michelle ~ now I am ready for some turkey! 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:45 am

      Thank you Elizabeth!

  • Reply
    heather @french press
    November 12, 2014 at 8:36 am

    this sounds really delicious! I love cooking with apple cider

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:44 am

      Thank you Heather. The apple cider really made this turkey’s natural flavors pop!

  • Reply
    Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets)
    November 12, 2014 at 10:33 am

    I love this turkey! What an amazing show stopper for Thanksgiving. (PS Someday you need to tell me the story on those very photogenic elephants!)

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:44 am

      Thank you Sandi! This bird was the best I have made yet! I’ve been asked a lot about the elephants, maybe it’s time to do a mini-post about them.

  • Reply
    The+Food+Hunter
    November 12, 2014 at 10:59 am

    your turkey looks amazing…great post!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 11:59 am

      Thank you FH! It was delicious!

  • Reply
    Lovefoodies
    November 12, 2014 at 2:27 pm

    Absolutely mouthwatering! Wow, I was blown away at your great photos and the turkey looks so moist and tender. I’ve never seen this equipment before but I will be checking it out for sure. Worth it if you will get turkey looking as good as yours! Thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      Thank you so much. This contraption really gave me the moistest turkey I have ever made. The Turkey Cannon has a great price point too.

  • Reply
    Kelly @ TastingPage
    November 12, 2014 at 2:42 pm

    I want a cannon! Love this contraption! Looks like it gave you a great tasting bird that cooked quickly – what’s not to like?!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 3:53 pm

      Thank you Kelly, it’s a cray device but I am sold, fast and tasty, what more can you want in a kitchen gadget?

  • Reply
    Cindy @ Hun What's for Dinner?
    November 12, 2014 at 3:28 pm

    I’ve never seen a turkey cannon before. Super neat! Your turkey looks amazing too!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 3:52 pm

      It was new to me too Cindy, but I love it. Thank you.

  • Reply
    Diane Willaims
    November 12, 2014 at 3:46 pm

    I’m so impressed! Lovely post all around. I’m so intrigued by this device. I have never heard of this before. May have to give this a try. In the mean time I will certainly share this gorgeous post with others! Love the story, the device and the pics!!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 3:51 pm

      Thank you Diane. The cannon looks downright torturous but made one heck of a juicy turkey! Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    Becky Winkler
    November 12, 2014 at 4:17 pm

    So cool! Your turkey looks fabulous.

  • Reply
    Toni | BoulderLocavore
    November 12, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    What a fantastic flavor combination Michelle! This really sounds delicious and unique.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 5:15 pm

      Thank you Toni! Love your blog name!

  • Reply
    christine
    November 12, 2014 at 5:57 pm

    This bird is a beauty. I’ve never heard of that cannon before. Interesting. I have always been the one to rise before the rest and get the bird going too.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 7:45 pm

      Thank you Christine. The cannon is really cool. It’s a tough job being the cook in the house, but I do love it.

  • Reply
    Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
    November 12, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    This turkey looks absolutely perfect! the flavor sounds amazing too. This would definitely be the center piece of a Thanksgiving table.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 12, 2014 at 10:21 pm

      Thank you Erin. The apple cider added a wonderful flavor to the bird.

  • Reply
    Amanda @The Kitcheneer
    November 13, 2014 at 4:06 pm

    What a gorgeous bird!

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Michelle @ Healthy Recipe Ecstasy
    November 14, 2014 at 7:49 am

    I’ve never heard of a turkey cannon but I want one!!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 14, 2014 at 11:21 am

      You need one. Makes the best bird ever!!!!

  • Reply
    Maggie
    November 15, 2014 at 8:03 am

    The turkey looks perfectly cooked! So crispy outside and has a moist texture! Passing the post to my boyfriend. The gadget looks interesting and their family might have a chance to use it for Thanksgiving this year!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 15, 2014 at 10:58 am

      Thank you Maggie. The skin was perfect. I must admit, I ate a bit of it. It’s usually a no-no, but it was beyond tempting. Thank you for passing the post along. 🙂

  • Reply
    Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow
    November 15, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    Okay this would be soooo perfect for Thanksgiving dinner! And it looks amazingly delicious! Who would have thought to combine apple cider and turkey? Not this girl! 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 15, 2014 at 10:56 pm

      Thank you Margaret! I had just pressed the apples that same weekend, so it was kind of an experiment.

  • Reply
    Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life
    November 16, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    Wow! That turkey is beautiful! I need to check the Turkey Cannon out…that is definitely intriguing to me!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 16, 2014 at 5:52 pm

      Thank you Michelle. It’s definitely a different item, but one worth trying.

  • Reply
    Patricia @ Grab a Plate
    November 16, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    Wow! Your Hugo looks amazing! The cannon sounds great – since I can’t have an additional oven, additional time would be great! Thanks!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 16, 2014 at 8:50 pm

      Hugo was super tasty! If you give the cannon a try, let me know how it works for you.

  • Reply
    Melissa
    November 17, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    Sounds so delicious. I love idea of using apple cider.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 17, 2014 at 1:27 pm

      The apple cider truly did pair nicely with the bird. Thanks Melissa.

  • Reply
    cristina
    November 17, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    I love how you name your bird every year (I’m going to have to do that!). Your Turkey turned out beautiful and I’m on the lookout for that turkey cannon as an insurance that my bird is moist for the feast! 😉 Lovely supporting images of the process…

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 17, 2014 at 1:26 pm

      Thank you Cristina, naming my bird is a quirk of mine. But then I have named many of other items too. 🙂 I really do love the cannon.

  • Reply
    Meagan @ A Zesty Bite
    November 17, 2014 at 1:36 pm

    I already love the flavor of this turkey and I haven’t even had it yet.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 17, 2014 at 4:27 pm

      Thank you Meagan! The cider and herbs were just perfect with it.

  • Reply
    Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
    November 17, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    I want turkey already!!!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 17, 2014 at 7:05 pm

      I’m ready for more!

  • Reply
    fabiola@notjustbaked
    November 17, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    What a perfect turkey! I am just waiting for it to be Thanksgiving, I cannot wait. This beautiful turkey makes me all sorts of happy!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 17, 2014 at 7:06 pm

      Thank you Fabiola! I am ready for it to be Thanksgiving as well

  • Reply
    Cookin Canuck
    November 18, 2014 at 8:19 am

    It looks as though you roasted “Hugo” perfectly. Seriously, that is one gorgeous bird!

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 18, 2014 at 8:49 am

      Thank you, he did come out perfectly.

  • Reply
    Renée J. (RJ Flamingo)
    November 20, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    That’s pretty impressive! Definitely bears further research – of the tasty kind. 🙂

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 20, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      Renee, I fully agree! More, tasty research is always needed.

  • Reply
    Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
    November 21, 2014 at 5:43 am

    I LOVELOVE LOVE that you used apple cider! I totally need to try this! 😀

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 21, 2014 at 10:15 am

      Thank you Taylor, the apple cider was such a nice flavor combo with the bird and herbs.

  • Reply
    Jeff the Chef
    November 21, 2014 at 5:46 am

    Sounds fantastic! And what beautiful photographs. Can’t wait to try it.

    • Reply
      Michelle
      November 21, 2014 at 10:14 am

      Thank you Jeff! I can’t wait to make it again in a few days.

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