Apple-Brined Whole Turkey

Ingredients:

1 12-14 pound turkey

2 quarts apple juice

1 pound brown sugar

1 cup kosher salt

3 quarts water

3 oranges, quartered

4 ounces fresh ginger, sliced thin

15 whole cloves

6 bay leaves

6 large garlic cloves, crushed

Vegetable oil

Combine apple juice, brown sugar, and salt in a large saucepan.

 

Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve.

 

Boil for one minute, remove from heat, and skim any foam.

 

Let mixture come to room temperature.

 

In a large container, combine the room temperature apple juice mixture with the remaining

ingredients and stir.

 

Place rinsed, drained whole turkey into the brine.

 

Use a heavy weight to keep the bird submerged, if necessary.

 

Refrigerate for 24 hours. Remove turkey from brine and pat dry.

 

Brush with vegetable oil and place on vertical roasting rack.

 

Cook at 225°-250° to 180° in the thigh, 165° in the breast. Wings can be wrapped in foil part way

through cooking process to prevent burning.