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George_J
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Brining a Turkey
« on: Dec 16th, 2007, 9:41pm » |
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After listening to my sister-in-law talk about the superiority of a brined turkey, I'm making my first attempt at it. We're having our friends Greg and Shirley over for dinner tomorrow night, and they'll be my guinea pigs. Sorry, Sanna. 
It's been a tradition with us for at least fourteen years--our friends come over for dinner a week or so before Christmas, and the kids decorate the tree. The decorating was a bit lop-sided when the kids were small, and the lower branches of the tree got the most attention, but the results have become more sophisticated, judicious, and aesthetically pleasing in recent years.
Anyway--brining. I made a very basic brine with sea salt, cane sugar, fresh thyme and fresh rosemary sprigs, and peppercorns. I figure to do a more elaborate brine for turkeys to come.
Anybody have a favorite turkey-brining recipe that I can add to my future repertoire?
Best to all of you,
George
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| « Last Edit: Dec 17th, 2007, 1:12am by George_J » |
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Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
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Brew
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Re: Brining a Turkey
« Reply #1 on: Dec 17th, 2007, 7:44am » |
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Sea salt? The Russians scuttle their busted nuclear subs in the sea, my friend. 
We brined a turkey once, and it was absolutely delicious. It's a lot of extra hassle, but if you don't mind, it's a great way to do it. As I recall, our recipe was even more basic than yours (salt, honey, and water), but yours sounds better.
Good luck!
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Redd
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Re: Brining a Turkey
« Reply #2 on: Dec 17th, 2007, 7:56am » |
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I've used a brine of the sea salt, cracked pepper corns honey apple juice and liquid smoke. Gives a wonderful smoked flavor to the bird. Mmmm Mmmm good.
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zwibbs/Scott
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Re: Brining a Turkey
« Reply #3 on: Dec 17th, 2007, 8:43am » |
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That sounds great George. I love Holiday traditions like you are having. It is really wonderful to spend these times with your family.
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George_J
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Re: Brining a Turkey
« Reply #4 on: Dec 17th, 2007, 10:48am » |
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Awright. Gotta start on the prep work pretty soon. Brining accomplished, and we'll see how it goes. Made some fresh cranberries this morning that I got from the farmer's market on Saturday (Oregon cranberries), and we'll do some mashed taters and gravy. I'll probably make some cookies as well, for the kids to gnosh on while they're decorating the tree.
Potter told me that I forgot to put some crushed garlic cloves in the brine, and he's absolutely right. By way of compensation, I'll throw a few crushed cloves inside the turkey when I roast it, along with a big 'ol sweet onion. (I don't put stuffing inside the turkey anymore).
Brian says I need beer. Beer's always a good choice. Seein's how I didn't put it in the brine, I guess I'd better take it internally.
Hope you all have a great day.
Best,
George
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Ah! The foreigners put on such airs
Wearing the tangerine suits
And their harlequin eyes.
The pain they inspire
Draws in harmonica melodies
And the feathers of birds
Which flame up at their touch.
It all comes to light in the sheer
Debonair.
(Ellen)
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dougW
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Re: Brining a Turkey
« Reply #5 on: Dec 17th, 2007, 11:27am » |
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George:
I've used this recipe several times and it is incredible. I usually use only 1 cup of salt.
http://thriftyfoods.com/recipes/recipe.php?rid=803
Get the best maple syrup you can find.
Enjoy.
Doug
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Monty
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Brined cod is great. I haven't tried brined turkey, but now find myself tempted.
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