Salty and Sweet Cranberry Citrus Brine

Most everyone loves the taste of a salty sweet flavor. I have been using brine for years when making my turkey and chicken. I've tried this one or that one, but finally settled on taking the best elements of my 3 favorite ones to create my own with all the wonderful flavors of Thanksgiving.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Calories: 156 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 gallon water
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen cranberry juice concentrate
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 orange, cut into wedges

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a large stockpot, mix together the kosher salt, orange juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, water, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, lemon wedges, orange wedges, onion wedges, garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme, and black pepper; stir until the salt and brown sugar have dissolved. To use, place a whole turkey into the brine, cover, and refrigerate 14 to 16 hours before roasting. Discard used brine.