There are plenty of ways to cook a turkey, but none result in a flavor quite as delicious as brining. The process is simple: soak your turkey in the brine for at least 24 hours and the result is a turkey more delectable than any you’ve ever had.
Ingredients
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2 cups apple-cranberry juice
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1 apple, diced
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3 large sprigs rosemary
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1 small bunch fresh thyme
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4 bay leaves
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½ cup fresh cranberries
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½ cup kosher salt
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¼ cup packed brown sugar
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½ teaspoon peppercorns
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2 oranges, sliced
Instructions:
- Place 1 quart of water and salt in large pot. Bring to simmer, and then add in all the other ingredients. Continue to simmer on low for a half hour. Set the mixture aside, and let cool completely.
- Put the uncooked turkey in a brining bag, and pour in the brine. Seal, set in a large pan, and place back in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours until it’s time to prepare and cook the turkey. Make sure to turn the turkey over a few times during the brining period.
Tip: the brine is very salty, so there’s no need to season the turkey with salt when you prepare for baking.