Poultry Brine

This brine works with the added power of pickling spices which increases the moisture in poultry with some great seasonings for more flavor.

1 gallon water
1 cup salt (1 1/2 cups Kosher or coarse salt)
1/2 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon pickling spice
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon tarragon

Dissolve salt and brown sugar in water in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Allow to cool. Add vinegar and spices. Brine for 1 hour per pound.

Hawaiian Style Turkey Brine

This brine is a bit different since it uses sweet ingredients instead of savory or spicy. The pineapple juice works well to tenderize the turkey meat while the brine adds moisture.

4 quarts pineapple juice
2 cups brown sugar
1 1/3 cups soy sauce
1 cup light maple syrup
1 cup salt (1 1/2 cups Kosher or coarse salt)
6 cloves garlic, cut into halves
4-6 whole bay leaves
2 tablespoons red pepper, crushed

Combine all ingredients. Place turkey in large container and pour brine over. Cover and allow to brine for 1 hour per pound.

Savory Turkey Brine

This turkey brine gets a portion of its salt from vegetable stock. The combination of spices and herbs will give your turkey a rich flavor.

2 quarts vegetable stock
1/2 cup salt (3/4 cup Kosher or coarse salt)
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 quarts cold water

In a large pot combine vegetable stock, salt and herbs over a medium heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the salt is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add cold water.
Place turkey in a large plastic container. Pour brine over top, cover and refrigerate. Brine for 1 hour per pound.

Cranberry Turkey Brine

What better to brine a turkey in than cranberry? This turkey brine recipe is perfect for a traditional turkey dinner.

2 quarts cranberry juice
1 quart water
1 cup salt (1 1/2 cups Kosher or coarse salt)
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 cup orange juice
12 cloves garlic, unpeeled and lightly smashed
4 springs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
6-8 bay leaves

Combine ingredients and place in a large pot. Add turkey to pot, making sure that brine covers turkey. If not, add more water to mixture. Brine for 1 hour per pound.