Mrs. Dog’s Ultimate Turkey Brine Recipe

This is one fine brine brought to you by  Julie Applegate (aka Mrs. Dog), one of the leading barbecue and grilling authorities in Michigan.  A certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge, competitor, egg-head, gourmet cook and food entrepreneur.

TURKEY BRINE RECIPE

1 turkey, 12-18 pounds, rinsed thoroughly, giblets, tail, and neck removed

Brine:
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup coarse salt
3 whole heads garlic, cloves separated, but not peeled, and bruised
6 large bay leaves*
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dog’s Jamaican Jerk Marinade**
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped unpeeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons dried chile flakes, or a couple of chipotles
1-1/2 cups soy sauce
3 quarts water
Handful of fresh thyme sprigs

Combine all the brine ingredients in an enamel or stainless steel pot. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let cool completely. Rinse the turkey well, and put it in a large enamel, stainless steel or food-grade plastic pot or bucket. Cover with the cold brine and add more water if the brine doesn’t cover the turkey.

Put a plate on top of the turkey to hold it under the brine.

Refrigerate for at least an hour per pound or overnight, turning the bird twice a day. (When you
turn the turkey be sure to empty the brine out of the body cavity before you turn it or it splashes everywhere.)

Rinse twice and air dry in refrigerator overnight.

*   I use allspice leaves as well
** optional

Cook the bird to 161° in the breast.