12/23/2025
Yes I’m a baker, but I also love to cook, and I especially love the food that I create with my family around the holidays! In our home, turkey is the star of our holiday meal, and the key to a delicious turkey is brine!
I’ve been using the same brining process for the last 8 years or so, and now we don’t eat turkey any other way! Give this a try!
Apple cider citrus infused brine (double for a turkey over 20lbs)
4 litres apple cider
1 1/4 kosher salt
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 whole bay leaves
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh sage
4-8 star anise pods
3 tbsp black pepper corns
1 tbsp all spice berries
1 tbsp juniper berries
2 4-inch cinnamon sticks
4 litres chilled water
Citrus onion infusion:
3 oranges cut in wedges, with rind
2 large lemons cut in wedges with rind
2 medium onions, quarters with skin intact
Gently warm apple cider until all the salt is dissolved. Add all fresh herbs and add spices wrapped in a cheese cloth bundle or spice bag. Stir and let it infuse for 10 minutes. Add the chilled water. Then add the citrus and onions. All mixture to completely cool and chill before adding the turkey.
Allow turkey to brine for 2-4 days in the fridge. Remove from the brine and rinse well to remove excess salt. Discard brine and compost herbs and citrus.
Roast slowly at 350° (325° convection) until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Enjoy!
