I’ve posted my brine recipe in the past, but this year I decided to try something a little different for my Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe was pretty simple to make and the turkey was absolutely delicious. My friends and family loved the flavor. I’ll definitely be using this brine recipe throughout the holidays. I hope you enjoy!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 5 quarts water
• 1 cup raw sugar
• 1 quart apple cider
• 1 quart apple juice
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 cups sea salt
• 1 tbsp pink peppercorn
• 1 tbsp black peppercorn
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp celery seed
• 1 tsp marjoram
• 2 tsp powdered ginger
• 2 fresh cinnamon sticks
• 3 slices dried orange peel
• 2 tbsp allspice
• 8 cloves
• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 sliced apples
• 2 sliced oranges
• 1 sliced lemon
• Handful of fresh rosemary, thyme & sage

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil then let simmer for one hour, adding the fresh herbs at the end.

Let cool completely.

Put the turkey with brine into a brine bag and place in refrigerator. Brine one hour for every one pound of turkey. My turkey was 25 pounds, so I brined mine for 25 hours.

Once you’re done brining, completely rinse the turkey inside and outside then pat dry.

Cook your turkey according to your turkey’s weight and make sure the internal temperature meets the minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.