Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 (12-15 pound) turkey
- 1 gallon apple cider
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup whole black peppercorns
- 10 juniper berries
- 5 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large stockpot or container, combine the apple cider, salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, peppercorns, juniper berries, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Place the turkey in a large brining bag or container. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, making sure it is completely submerged.
- Refrigerate the turkey for 12 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to cook, remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, based on 1/8 of a turkey)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 28 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Sodium: 2,000 mg
Dish Characteristics:
- Moist and flavorful turkey with a hint of sweetness and spice
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion
- Easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time
User Comments:
- "This brine made my Thanksgiving turkey the best I've ever had!"
- "The apple cider and spices gave the turkey a wonderful flavor."
- "It was so easy to make and saved me so much time on Thanksgiving day."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to rinse the turkey thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess salt.
- If you don't have a brining bag, you can use a food-safe container and place a plate or weight on top of the turkey to keep it submerged.
- You can adjust the amount of salt in the brine depending on your taste preferences.
- Don't over-brine the turkey, as this can make it tough.
