Wet Turkey Apple Brine Food

MY FAVORITE TURKEY BRINE

Steps:

• Combine 2 gallons cold water with the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, rosemary and orange peels in a large pot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover.
• Allow to cool completely, then place into the fridge to chill. Place uncooked turkey in the chilled brine solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
• When ready to roast the turkey, remove from the brine. Submerge the turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside.
• Discard the brine. Remove the turkey from the clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.

WET BRINE FOR TURKEY

Steps:

• In a heavy large stockpot, combine the salt and water, and stir to dissolve. Place the turkey inside 1 heavy-duty brining bag or a double layer of oven-roasting bags and place inside a large roasting pan or extra-large bowl to guard against leaks or spills. Carefully pour the brine into the brining bag then squeeze as much air as possible out of the bag, and use a twist tie or rubber band to seal the bag closed.
• Arrange the pan or bowl in the refrigerator, preferably near the bottom, and let brine at least 8 (and up to 18) hours. For best results, turn the turkey every 6 to 8 hours, so it brines evenly. After at least 8 (and up to 18) hours, remove the turkey from the brine, draining off any excess. If you'd like, give the turkey a quick rinse under cool water. Dry the turkey thoroughly then let it sit for an hour or so at room temperature before roasting according to your favorite recipe.

APPLE BRINED TURKEY

Steps:

• To prepare brine, combine apple juice, brown sugar, salt, garlic, bay leaves, cloves and ginger in a large non-reactive saucepan. Bring to boil and cook, stirring frequently, until sugar and salt are dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; cool completely.
• Combine apple juice mixture and water in a 5 gallon (20 L) food-safe non-reactive container, such as an unchipped enamel canner.
• Remove neck and giblets from turkey cavities and reserve for another use. Submerge turkey in brine. As turkey will float, weigh it down using a plate with a jar of water on it. Keep turkey submerged completely. Cover container and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, but no longer than 16 hours.
• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Remove turkey from brine; discard brine. Rinse turkey under cold running water; pat dry. Secure wings with metal skewers and tie legs together using butcher's twine.
• Place turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Brush with melted butter.
• Roast for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325°F and continue roasting, basting occasionally, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, about 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
• Transfer turkey to a platter and tent loosely with foil. Let stand for 30 minutes before carving. The internal temperature of turkey will continue to rise several degrees during standing. The final reading should be 180 - 185°F in the thigh and 170 - 175°F in the breast.

APPLE BRINE FOR TURKEY THE NIGHT BEFORE COOKING

Steps:

• Line a cooler with a large food safe bag. Combine the apple juice, water, and salt in the bag; stir until the salt is dissolved; add the garlic.
• To use: Lie your turkey into the brine with the breast-side down; add more water to submerge turkey completely if needed. Pour the ice over the turkey. Seal the bag and close the cooler; allow to sit overnight.

APPLE AND TEA BRINE, INJECTED, RUBBED AND DEEP FRIED TURKEY

Steps:

• In a very large pot (big enough to hold turkey) bring all the brine ingredients but turkey to boil then lower heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
• Remove tea bags and cool.
• Add washed turkey to cooled apple mixture and cover with ice cold water making sure turkey is completely submerged adding more water if needed.
• Refrigerate for 10 to 15 hours just so the turkey absorbs the brine.
• Meanwhile make injection liquid by adding cup butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, sage and cracked black pepper to season in a pot. Bring to a slow simmer for 10 to 15 minutes removing any water for butter and bringing out the flavors of the herbs.
• Cool drain herbs and garlic set aside for placing under the skin of the turkey.
• Remove turkey from brine discard brine and rinse turkey towel dry inside and out.
• Inject dry turkey in breasts and thighs the night before cooking with the butter mixture.
• Take the garlic and herbs that was set aside and place under the skin of the turkey.
• Place the turkey uncovered on a rack in the refrigerator overnight.
• Heat peanut oil to 350°F.
• Rub turkey with any oil mixture that escaped while sitting overnight then rub inside and out of turkey with dry rub mixture.
• Tie legs and wings to body with cotton string.
• Lower breast side up into hot oil.
• Be cautious of hot splattering oil.
• Maintain oil temp at 350°F.
• Fry 3 minutes a pound till 180°F.
• Remove from oil and rest for 15 minutes.
• Carve and eat.

MEAN CHEF'S APPLE BRINE

Steps:

• bring apple juice, sugar and salt to a boil over high heat, skim foam, let cool to room temperature.
• Add remaining ingredients.
• Brine turkey for 24 hours.
• Quantity is sufficient for a 14 pound turkey.

APPLE CIDER TURKEY BRINE

Steps:

• Combine 4 cups water, apple cider, kosher salt, sage, rosemary, thyme, and peppercorns together in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil; cook and stir brine until the salt is just dissolved. Remove from heat; add ice cubes.