Turkey Brine

This brine was fabulous - best I have ever had. I used it on a 12.25 lb turkey but I am certain that it would work wonderfully with a chicken as well. I used a turkey brine bag (from HomeGoods) rather than the trash bags. I did not have a cooler/ice chest, so I put the bag in an empty flower pot (this helped to ensure that the liquid covered the bird) and put it in the cold garage.

• Ready In: 10 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  cup sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups kosher salt
• 2 1⁄2 gallons cold water
• 2  bay leaves, torn into small pieces
• 1  bunch fresh thyme
• 1  head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 1⁄2 cup  pickling spices
• 12 -14  lbs turkey

Directions

1. combine sugar, salt and 3 to 4 quarts of water in a large bowl.
2. stir until sugar and salt dissolve.
3. add remaining ingredients except for the remaining 1.5 gallons of water.
4. double bag 2 heavy duty, unscented trash bags (not made of recycled materials) and then put them in an ice chest large enough to hold the turkey.
5. place turkey in bags, pour brine and remaining 1.5 gallons of water over turkey - there should be enough liquid to completely cover bird.
6. press out air in bags and tightly close.
7. keep turkey cold with bags of ice which will also help keep it submerged.
8. brine for 12-24 hours.