Turkey With Brown Sugar And Maple Syrup Brine

Turkey With Brown Sugar And Maple Syrup Brine
4.5 (2 ratings)
If you want to avoid a dry turkey, make sure to make it with brown sugar and maple syrup brine. This recipe is by Bill Daley and was originally published in the Chicago Tribune. 
Prep Time
20
minutes
Cook Time
5
minutes
Servings
10
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
  • 6 large bay leaves
  • 3 whole heads garlic, cloves separated, bruised
  • 3 quarts of water
  • 2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cup each of coarsely chopped unpeeled ginger root, soy sauce
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup coarse salt
  • 2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 1 fresh turkey, 12-14 pounds
Directions
  1. Combine all the ingredients, except the turkey, in a large enamel or stainless steel stockpot large enough to hold the brine and the turkey.
  2. Heat to a simmer over high heat; remove from heat.
  3. Let cool completely.
  4. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey (save for stock).
  5. Place the turkey in the cooled brine, making sure there is enough brine to cover the bird.
  6. Add water to cover, if needed.
  7. Refrigerate 12 hours, turning the bird in the brine twice a day.
  8. Drain off brine.
  9. Rinse turkey; roast according to your favorite recipe.