Turkey Brine

 

Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• 1/2 c. kosher salt
• 1/4 c. brown sugar
• 1 orange cut into wedges
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 T. whole peppercorns

Instructions

• In a large stockpot, heat the water, salt and brown sugar over high heat until the salt and sugar dissolve.
• Add the orange wedges, bay leaves and peppercorns to the stockpot and bring to a boil. Then turn off the heat and allow the mixture to come to room temperature.
• Put the turkey in a large zip lock bag with the brine adding additional water if needed to submerge the turkey. Refrigerate the brining turkey for 12 to 24 hours before cooking.
• Thoroughly drain the turkey and pat it dry before cooking.