Make a Better Turkey

Ok, turkey day is fast approaching. Do you have your menu planned? Grocery list made? How about your table setting planned?

Am I making you nervous with all these questions? I hope not :)

Let's talk turkey though. It is, after all, the start of the Thanksgiving dinner table. Want a way to make it even more fabulously delicious?

Brine it!


Now, some people tend to shy away from brining because they think it is difficult or a big hassle. It really is neither!  Now this recipe is adapted very slightly from the wonderful Alton Brown.

What you'll need:
14-16 lb thawed or fresh turkey
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 gallon vegetable broth
2 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
2 tsp whole allspice berries
1 1/2 tsp chopped candied ginger
1 gallon heavily iced water
5 gallon bucket or large plastic bag

Let's Brine It:
1)  The day before plan to cook your turkey, combine the the salt, brown sugar, vegetable broth, peppercorns, allspice and ginger in a large pot.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the solids. Boil for 1 minute and then remove from heat.  Let cool completely and refrigerate until ready to use {you can do this 1-2 days in advance of when you plan to use it}.

2)  The night before your are cooking your turkey, add your turkey to the bucket or bag.

Add the ice, water and broth mixture from step one.

Cover and refrigerate {or keep cold by adding more ice} overnight and until ready to cook the turkey.

3)  When ready to cook your bird, remove it from the brine and wash it with cold water.

4)  Cook the turkey as your normally would.

How do you prep and cook your turkey? 

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