Maple Brined Turkey

This recipe is off of the foodnetwork.com site. I have made a maple brined turkey before and it was absolutely delicious. Not sweet, not salty but very moist. Posted this recipe so I wouldn't lose it again!

• Ready In: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 15-20

Ingredients

• 8  quarts water
• 2  cups kosher salt
• 2  cups maple syrup
• 2  bunches fresh thyme
• 6  bay leaves
• 4  large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 3  tablespoons black peppercorns
• 1 (20 lb)  whole turkey

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients, except the turkey, in a large pot and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Remove from the heat and let cool.
2. Line a large stockpot with an unscented garbage bag and put the turkey into the pot. Pour the cooled brine over the bird, close and seal the bag, and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove the turkey from the brine, dry well, and discard the brine.
4. Roast the turkey as you normally would, approximately 15 minutes a pound. Let stand for 30 minutes before carving.