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The Best Brine For Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups maple syrup
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 fresh sage leaves
  • 4 thyme sprigs
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 8 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon dried juniper berries, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns, crushed
  • 1 tablespoon allspice
  • 8 cups water
  • 4 cups ice cubes
  • 1 cup maple syrup for basting, optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare brine by combining all ingredients, except ice, in a large non-reactive stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat.

  2. Cook brine for 3 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat, add ice, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

  4. The easiest way to brine your turkey is to place it in a large garbage bag, or special turkey bag, and let marinate for 1-3 days. I find 2 days to be the magic number.