Resident Recipe: Perfectly Brined Turkey

Recipe Provided by Troy Heller from Heller’s Kitchen

Ingredients:

• 1 (14 lb.) whole turkey

• 1 gallon water

• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar

• 3 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 12 whole cloves

• 2 teaspoons granulated onion

• 6 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

• 1/2 gallon ice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the brown sugar, bay leaves, dried rosemary, black peppercorns, dried thyme, cloves, granulated onion, and chopped garlic with half of the water (1/2 gallon). Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

2. Cool the Brine: Remove the pot from heat and cool the brine by adding 1/2 gallon of ice.

3. Brine the Turkey: Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate the turkey, allowing it to brine for 12 to 24 hours.

4. Prepare for Roasting: Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry. Let it air dry for 1 hour.

5. Roast the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 10 minutes to brown the skin. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 300°F and continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once roasted to perfection, let the turkey rest before carving. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful results of this brine with your favorite sides!