Are you ready for some TURKEY? I sure am. Although I just had turkey a few weeks ago I’m ready for some more. Even as I type this blog I’m visualizing the cooking of the Thanksgiving bird. Just like when I’m playing golf I try to visualize each shot, I envision a perfect turkey that is moist, delicious, and everyone will remember as the greatest Thanksgiving Feast EVER! Maybe I’m a little delusional but I know my turkey will be moist and juicy because because I’m going to brine it.
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| Thankful for delicious Turkey! |
I found this brine recipe on the Pioneer Woman’s blog and have been using it ever since. It has all of the flavors and spices of autumn to infuse a bird with flavor and moisture.
Turkey Brine
1 Gallon Apple Juice or Cider
1 ½ Cups of Brown Sugar
1 Cup of Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon of peppercorns
½ tablespoon of Cinnamon
½ tablespoon of Nutmeg
½ tablespoon of whole cloves
1-2 Sprigs of Rosemary
1-2 Sprigs of Rosemary
1 Orange cut into wedges or slices
2-3 bay leaves
In a large saucepan simmer 3 cups of apple cider; add the salt and brown sugar, stir until completely dissolved. Add the remaining spices and orange wedges and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes. Allow the brine base to cool.
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| Turkey Brine Simmering |
Place the turkey in a large stock pot or bucket and pour the brine into the pot then add the remaining cider until the turkey is submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate over night.
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| Everyone in the Pool |
A note about the turkey, use a fresh turkey if possible. If using a frozen turkey soak in a stock pot of cool water for a few hours, this will take out the sodium solution they use to freeze the turkey.
So that’s it, my favorite trick for ensuring a moist and juicy turkey. It’s really not a secret, if you watch more than 10 minutes of Food Network this week every cooking show will preach the benefits of brining turkeys. Well they are preaching to the choir here, I’m already a believer.
I'm traveling this year and it feels so odd that I am not already prepping the meal.
I'm visiting my family in Las Cruces this weekend. I'm still cooking but at least I don't have do any shopping.
Your post couldn't be more timely. This is my first visit to your blog, so I've been browsing through your earlier posts. I really like the food and recipes you share with your readers and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary