Holiday Turkey Brine

There are many brines available for your holiday turkey, and many have similar ingredients. The basic concept is that brining a turkey, or any meat, helps that meat retain moisture over long cooking periods. My husband said this recipe created the juiciest turkey he had ever experienced. Even after almost 4 hours of cook time, you could squeeze the juice out of the meat it was so tender and juicy. And the savory and sweet flavors were just enough to complement the brine and impart those flavors to the turkey. Bon appetit!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 105 Calories

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• ½ cup Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried sage
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 onion, cut into quarters
• 2 gallons water
• 1 gallon vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups sea salt
• 3 apples, cut into quarters

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine vegetable broth, sea salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, rosemary, sage, and thyme in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Step 2

Pour the water, broth mixture, and apple cider vinegar into a 5-gallon bucket; stir until brine is combined. Add the apples, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic to the brine mixture.