Grandma’s Farmhouse Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 1 gallon cold water
• 1 cup coarse sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 rib celery, chopped
• 1 turkey, thawed and giblets removed

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice, coriander, ginger, thyme, bay leaves, vinegar, onion, carrot, and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
3. Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag, and pour the cooled brine over the turkey. Cover and refrigerate overnight (up to 24 hours).
4. Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse, and pat dry. Roast according to your favorite recipe.

Interesting Facts

• Brine is a salt water solution used to add flavor and moisture to food.
• The longer you brine the turkey, the more flavor and moisture it will absorb.
• Always discard the brine after use. Do not reuse it.