CIDER-BRINED TURKEY

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Cider-Brined Turkey image

My family had been going through some rough times, and when we were finally able to get together for Thanksgiving one year, I made this turkey. It brings back such good memories of joyful family gatherings. -Nicole Keller, Waterford, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h20m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 gallon apple cider or juice
1-3/4 cups kosher salt
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed juniper berries
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3 bottles (12 ounces each) dark beer, chilled
6 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chicken broth, chilled
2 turkey-size oven roasting bags
1 turkey (18 to 20 pounds)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a stockpot, combine the first 10 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat. Add cold beer and broth to cool the brine to room temperature., Place one turkey-size oven roasting bag inside the other. Place turkey inside both bags; pour in cooled brine. Seal bags, pressing out as much air as possible; turn to coat turkey. Place in a shallow roasting pan. Refrigerate for 18-24 hours, turning occasionally. , Remove turkey from brine; rinse and pat dry. Discard brine. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together. Place on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Brush with melted butter; sprinkle with salt and pepper., Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts :

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