Juniper Brine

"For holiday turkeys. This keeps the breast meat moist and flavorful."
 
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Ready In:
24hrs 23mins
Ingredients:
11
Yields:
3.5 quarts
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ingredients

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directions

  • Put all the ingredients in a 3-4 quart saucepan.
  • Add 8 cups of water and stir to combine; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
  • Boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Add 4 cups of ice water, stir, then set aside to cool.
  • Have a heavy roasting pan ready and place the 2 oven cooking bags inside which should be nested in a double-layer.
  • Open the bags wide, and roll down the tops to form a collar (helps keep the bag open).
  • Remove the turkey from its wrapper, remove the giblets (store separately), and rinse and prepare bird.
  • Place the turkey upright inside the bags with the legs pointing up; and pour the juniper brine over the top, and add an additional 2 cups of cold water.
  • Draw up the inner cooking bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and secure it closed with the twist-tie; do the same for the outer bag.
  • Place the turkey breast side down in the roasting pan and refrigerate for 12-24 hours, turning 3-4 times while it is brining.
  • Just prior to roasting, remove the turkey from the brine.
  • Discard the bags, all herbs and spices, and the used brine; rinse the bird under cold water and pat dry with paper toweling.
  • Air-dry turkey for 4-6 hours under refrigeration (before cooking), for a crispier crust when roasting.
  • The turkey is now ready to be roasted.

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Reviews

  1. We brined our Thanksgiving bird in this and it was VERY moist. Thanks, Sue.
     
  2. I love to brine turkeys periodically, not just at Thanksgiving. I've never worked with Juniper Berries before and can't wait to try them in this recipe. Great inspiraiton!
     
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I am a longtime member since 2002. While I have many recipes here, most of my current recipes are on my food blog at palatablepastime.com I may occasionally post something extra I have here. If you have questions, you can always contact me at contact@palatablepastime.com
 
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