Perfect Christmas Turkey

Bring salt, water, thyme and berries to a simmer in a large pot, then set aside to cool.

Put turkey in a large basin, at least twice as large as the bird.

Pour the brine over the turkey, cover, and rset aside in a cool dark place for 12 hours.

Preheat oven to 150°C Put the turkey in a large baking dish, on a rack, drizzle with oil and bake for 40 minutes.

Bring stock, sage, butter, and peppercorns to the boil and baste the turkey.

Bake for 45 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.

Turn the oven up to 220C and bake for a further 10 minutes.

Remove turkey from oven, cover with foil and a towel, and rest for 15 minutes.