Angela’s Favorite Turkey Recipe
When I got married I realized just how little I helped with holiday meal prep in the past. Never in my life had I been responsible for a turkey before! Then I realized I would have to do all the sides and the turkey- YIKES! The first few years I made OK turkeys. About 5 years ago I found this turkey recipe and have had yummy turkey ever since.
http://bbq.about.com/od/turkeybrinerecipes/r/bl71116d.htm
Ingredients:
– 2 Quarts Vegetable Stock (I purchase Swanson Vegetable Broth)
– ½ Cup Salt
– ½ Cup Sugar
– 1 TBS Dried Rosemary
– 1 TBS Dried Sage
– 1 TBS Dried Thyme
– 2 Quarts Cold Water
This recipe makes 1 gallon of brine. Usually need at least 2 to mostly cover my turkey during the brine process. I also find it is easier to rotate my bird in the bag instead of making enough to completely cover the turkey.
1. In a large pot combine vegetable stock, salt, sugar and herbs over medium heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the salt is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool, allow at least 30 minutes or more. Add cold water to completely cool off the brine.
2. Place turkey in an oven bag inside a plastic container. I was the plastic container first because I usually need a plastic storage container since none of my bowls can fit my turkeys. Pour brine over top, cover well and refrigerate. Brine turkey for 1 hour per pound. If you are in a cold climate I typically brine my turkey in the garage. It has been freezing the last few Thanksgivings so it was refrigerator cold in my garage. (Now I live in Arizona and will have to completely rearrange my fridge to accommodate the turkey.) I start the day before and allow it at least the hour per pound if not longer.
3. Thoroughly rinse all the brine from the turkey before cooking. If you skip this step you will have an incredibly salty bird!
4. Trash the remaining brine and pat turkey dry with a paper towel, don’t forget to do the cavity as well.
5. I cook my turkey breast down in an oven bag with the flour coating the inside of the bag. I’ve also done paprika on the surface of the bird for good coloring. For a fun twist you can add an aluminum foil bikini first and the rub paprika on the surface of the turkey around the bikini. =)
Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!
