| One of the biggest problems with | | | | - 1 tablespoon dried thyme |
| grilling poultry, especially turkey, is | | | | - 2 quarts cold water |
| that the meat can become dry and | | | | In a large pot combine the vegetable |
| tasteless. A great way to add moisture | | | | stock, salt, and herbs over medium heat. |
| and additional flavor is with a brine. | | | | Simmer for about 15 min until the salt |
| To brine a turkey you'll need to start | | | | is dissolved. Remove from heat and |
| the night before you plan to cook it. A | | | | allow to cool. Add the water. |
| good rule of thumb is to brine your bird | | | | Place the turkey in your large |
| for one hour per pound. Here's what | | | | container, and add enough brine to |
| you'll need: | | | | completely cover the turkey within an |
| - a large stock pot (or another large | | | | inch of completely covering the entire |
| container of your choice) and enough | | | | bird. Now put it in the refrigerator. |
| room in your refrigerator for it | | | | Don't have room in the refrigerator? A |
| - salt | | | | large cooler makes a good container for |
| - water | | | | your turkey and brine. If it's cool |
| - sugar | | | | outside you may not need to worry about |
| - seasonings (whatever you like) | | | | it, but if it's warm you'll want to add |
| Start with a clean and completely thawed | | | | enough ice to keep the turkey cool. |
| turkey. To make the brine, mix 1 cup of | | | | Monitor the temperature of the brine |
| salt with 1 gallon of water. You'll | | | | closely during the process to make sure |
| need more than that, but keep the ratio | | | | it stays cool. |
| of 1 cup salt:1 gallon water. You'll | | | | When you're ready to prepare your |
| probably need 2-3 gallons. Add whatever | | | | turkey, pull it out of the brine and |
| seasonings you like, but don't add | | | | rinse it off with clean, cold water. |
| anything that will add additional salt. | | | | Throw it on the grill and you're good to |
| Here's a simple brine recipe, but feel | | | | go. The additional moisture will really |
| free to experiment with your own | | | | make a difference! |
| concoctions. | | | | Finally, be careful how you dispose of |
| Ingredients: | | | | your leftover brine. Remember, this is |
| - 2 quarts vegetable stock | | | | saltwater, so it'll kill your lawn. I |
| - 1/2 cup salt | | | | usually pour it down the sink along with |
| - 1 tablespoon dried rosemary | | | | additional clean water. |
| - 1 tablespoon dried sage | | | | |