Cider Brine for Poultry

For a 5 pound duck, double for 12-14 pound turkey. Adapted from Bon Appetit

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 12 cups

Ingredients

• 3 1⁄2-4  cups apple cider
• 1⁄3 cup kosher salt
• 1⁄3 cup soy sauce
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
• 3  whole star anise
• 2  garlic cloves, smashed
• 2  scallions, white part only, trimmed and split lengthwise
• 2  slices ginger, 1/4 inch thick
• 1  dried ancho chile (can substitute 3 dried shiitake mushrooms)
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 1  sprig cilantro

Directions

1. Bring all ingredients to a boil, then cool to room temperature. Add 8 cups (1/2 gallon) cold water.