Peppered Maple And Thyme Turkey Brine Food

MAPLE BRINED TURKEY

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients, except the turkey, in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool.
• Line a large stockpot with an unscented garbage bag and put the turkey into the pot. Pour the cooled brine over the bird, close and seal the bag, and refrigerate overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the brine, dry well, and discard the brine.
• Roast the turkey as you normally would, approximately 15 minutes a pound. Let stand for 30 minutes before carving.

PEPPERED MAPLE AND THYME TURKEY BRINE

Steps:

• In the vessel that you will marinate the turkey in, combine all ingredients and mix well with a wire whisk, being sure that the chicken base is completely blended.
• Carefully place raw turkey or poultry into this vessel, being sure that the entire bird is covered with the brine.
• Cover vessel and place under proper refrigeration for 24 to 48 hours.
• When ready to cook the turkey, carefully remove it from the brine and rinse under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Your turkey is now ready to cook, as you normally would do.

HONEY AND THYME-BRINED TURKEY BREAST

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons pepper, and 6 thyme sprigs; bring to a boil then remove from heat.
• Pour mixture into a large bowl; cool to room temperature.
• To the bowl: add 6 cups water, salt, honey, and sugar, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
• Pour salt mixture into a 2-gallon heavy-duty zip-lock plastic bag.
• Add ice and turkey; seal.
• Refrigerate 24 hours, turning bag occasionally.
• Remove turkey from bag; discard brine.
• Pat turkey dry using paper towels.
• Rub turkey with oil.
• Mix together 1 tablespoon pepper and chopped thyme, rub over turkey.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place turkey on a roasting pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
• Bake for 1 hour or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reads 180°F.
• Place turkey on a platter.
• Cover with foil and let stand 15 minutes.
• If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs.

MAPLE TURKEY BRINE

Steps:

• Place 2 quarts of water in a large pot over medium heat, and stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, maple syrup, sea salt, garlic cloves, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, peppercorns, and whiskey. Stir to dissolve brown sugar and salt; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and stir in remaining 2 quarts of water. Allow brine to cool completely before using.