Pancetta-Wrapped Roasted Turkey

Today we have a special recipe from Matt and Denise, and I must say it looks delicious. This is a roasted turkey that they have made for Thanksgiving and a few other times, and they say it is always a hit with their friends for its awesome presentation and of course just good eating. I'm also SO excited that Denise sent pictures of the recipe in progress and completed. What a gorgeous bird--nice job Matt and Denise, and thanks for sharing!

Pancetta-Wrapped Roasted Turkey

Recipe By: Food and Wine

Serving Size: 12

Ingredients:
BRINE:

1 cup kosher salt

1/2 cup crushed red pepper

2 cloves garlic

2 jalapenos, sliced

2 quarts hot water

1 13 pound turkey

RUB:

1 tablespoon chile powder

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chopped rosemary

1 teaspoon chopped thyme

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground black pepper

1 pound sliced pancetta

DIRECTIONS:

MAKE THE BRINE: In a large bucket or pot, combine the salt, crushed red pepper, garlic, jalapeños and hot water and stir to dissolve the salt. Add the turkey, breast side down, then cover with the cold water so it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate the turkey for 12 hours.
Preheat the oven to 325°. Drain and rinse the turkey and pat dry.

MAKE THE RUB: In a small bowl, combine the chile powder, salt, cumin, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, brown sugar and black pepper. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Arrange about three-quarters of the pancetta over the breast, overlapping the slices. Secure the pancetta in several spots with toothpicks. Wrap the legs and thighs with the remaining pancetta, securing it with toothpicks.

Roast the turkey for about 4 1/2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 165°. After about 1 1/2 hours of cooking, cover the turkey loosely with foil as the pancetta browns. When the turkey is done, transfer it to a carving board and let rest for 30 minutes. Discard the toothpicks. Carve the turkey into slices and serve the crispy pancetta on the side.