About the Recipe
Turkey is the ultimate centrepiece for holiday meals and a versatile protein for gatherings throughout the year. Locally raised BC turkey is lean, nutrient-dense and full of natural flavour, especially when sourced from trusted farms like JD Farms in Langley, where premium, antibiotic-free turkeys have been raised with care for more than 40 years.
This recipe brings together some of the best ingredients grown and crafted in our province. Windset Farms, a leader in sustainable greenhouse growing, provides fresh, vibrant Vivo tomatoes that roast beautifully alongside the turkey. Grandpa J’s Original All Purpose Seasoning Blend adds depth and balance to the brine and rub, giving the bird rich, savoury character that chefs rely on in their kitchens.
To complete the meal, the recipe highlights local craft beer from Port Coquitlam’s breweries along the BC Ale Trail, where a passionate community of brewers create distinctive, flavour-forward beers that pair naturally with BC-grown ingredients.
Brining the turkey in BC Beer and Grandpa J’s seasoning ensures exceptionally moist and flavourful results, while the roasted tomatoes offer a bright, savoury twist on traditional holiday sides. This dish is a celebration of BC farmers, producers, makers and brewers, and a reminder of the incredible ingredients grown close to home.
Serves 8-10 people
Ingredients
Brine
1 whole 14 to 16 lb BC turkey, we got ours from JD Farms
1/2 cup Grandpa J’s Original seasoning
2 to 3 cans BC Beer (Patina’s Maple Amber Ale recommended)
2 cups brown sugar, honey or maple syrup
5 litres water
4 bay leaves
2 sprigs rosemary or thyme
3 cloves garlic
2 sprigs sage
Rub
1/2 lb butter
2 tbsp Grandpa J’s Original seasoning
Roasted Windset Farms Vivo Tomatoes
2 x 2 lb containers Vivo tomatoes
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
Leaves from 1 sprig fresh thyme
Preparation
Brine
In a large stockpot or bucket, combine 3 litres water, 1/2 cup Grandpa J’s Original seasoning and the brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until dissolved.
Remove from heat and add the remaining 2 litres water and the BC beer. Allow the brine to cool completely.
Lightly crush the garlic and herbs with the back of your knife and add them to the brine.
Once chilled, preferably overnight, pour the brine over the turkey and ensure it is fully submerged. If it floats, use a clean, heavy plate to hold it down. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours.
Roasting the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well. Place on a rack and pat dry to help the skin crisp.
Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast and slide cubes of seasoned butter underneath and on top.
Roughly chop celery, onion and carrots and spread them in the roasting pan under the turkey.
Roast at 350 F for 3 to 4 hours until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165 F. After two hours, check the turkey and cover with foil if needed to prevent overbrowning.
Rest the turkey for 30 minutes before carving.
Gravy
Strain the vegetables from the drippings and reserve the liquid.
In a pot over medium heat, whisk the drippings until bubbling. Add 2 tbsp flour per cup of drippings, whisking to avoid lumps. Strain if needed.
Finish with 2 tbsp BC Beer or apple juice per cup of gravy.
Roasted Windset Farms Vivo Tomatoes
While the turkey rests, heat the oven. Toss the tomatoes with olive oil, kosher salt, cracked pepper and thyme.
Roast on a lined tray for 25 minutes until golden and juicy.
Mini Fresco Cucumbers
I also love serving Windset’s Mini Fresco cucumbers on a platter in the middle of the family table as in my experience the little ones around the table will enjoy the cukes far more than the grown up veggies ;)
To Serve
Serve the turkey with roasted Vivo tomatoes, BC Fresh golden potato mash or roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts seasoned with Grandpa J’s. Add stuffing if desired.
Enjoy and celebrate the best of BC this season.
Chef Ned
Pairing Notes
Patina Brewing Maple Amber Ale
Brewed with real AAA dark Canadian maple syrup, this amber ale balances rich malt character with a gentle maple finish. Its warmth and layered profile make it a perfect pairing for the savoury turkey and herbal notes in the brine.
Sidequest Brewing Elder Gods Irish Foreign Export Stout
Rich and focused with dark chocolate and roasted coffee notes, this stout complements deep roasted flavours and adds complexity without sweetness.
Taylight Brewing Sakura Yuzu Ale
Light and floral with citrus lift from yuzu, this ale brings a bright contrast to rich turkey and savoury sides.
Tinhouse Brewing Run of the Mill Peppercorn Saison
A lively Belgian-style saison with orange peel, coriander and white peppercorns. Its refreshing spice and citrus notes pair well with traditional festive sides.