do you soak the bird? PART 1

PART 1 - My husband is always in charge of the turkey each Thanksgiving.  He does an awesome job every time! The turkey is always tasty and moist.   He has never soaked the turkey but after watching The Thanksgiving Throwdown with The Pioneer Woman...Ree Drummond and Bobby Flay he has decided to change things up this year.  My husband made My Favorite Turkey Brine (see below) tonight and submerged the turkey.  The 21.5 pound turkey is in the stock pot in the refrigerator.  Watch for PART 2 - after the turkey is roasted and devoured tomorrow. 


My Favorite Turkey Brine (source: Ree Drummond)
PREP TIME 10 minutes
COOK TIME 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups apple juice or apple cider
• 2 gallons cold water
• 4 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons peppercorns
• 5 whole bay leaves
• peel of three large oranges

PREP:  Combine all ingredients in a large pot.  Stir until salt and sugar dissolve.  Bring to a boil,

then turn off heat and cover.  Allow to cool completely, then pour into a large brinning bag or pot.  Place

uncooked turkey in brine solution, then refrigerate 16 to 24 hours.  When ready to roast turkey, remove turkey from brine.  Submerge turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water.  Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside.  Discard brine.  Remove turkey from clean water, pat dry and cook according to your normal roasting method.