to brine or not to brine?

[okiedokie]

ok,how many here brine their turkey before cooking? if so, how long and is it worth the extra work? thanks.

[Rickhead]

Good post! Love to learn on this subject.
Dating myself, but on this subject I feel like Sgt. Shultz.
" I know nothing!"

[Laura]

ok,how many here brine their turkey before cooking? if so, how long and is it worth the extra work? thanks.

I do.
24 hours.
The absolute, most moist bird, ever.
Even when I smoke it, it's just melt in your mouth moist!

Brine Recipe
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/brined-herb-crusted-turkey-with-apple-cider-gravy-recipe/index.html

[DiggingDogFarm]

Brining is the only way to go....

Good Eats Roast Turkey
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html

[backlash]

Brining is the only way to go....

Good Eats Roast Turkey
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html

We have been doing it that way ever sense we saw Alton Brown's Thanksgiving show.
Absolutely the best turkey ever.
Not really any trouble but worth the time.
Even kids that don't like turkey love it.
Perfect every time and looks good to boot.

[okiedokie]

thanks folks for your time,,looks like brining is a way to go,,we will try it this year,,:) thanks for the links,we will be looking into this,,as always, you folks are the best when come to help and advice :yes4:

[Axehandle]

After reading the humor forum about the pregnant turkey , would it be practical to 'insert' a cornish hen prior to brining , and if so , how would one determine the cooking time ?

ETA for an unstuffed bird.

[sbemt456]

I have done a turkey brined and not and really cant tell the difference after they are roasted. I never have a dry turkey. I do however use a digital instant read thermometer. The lil pop up thingys that are in the turkey when you buy them need to be pulled out and tossed aside. Because they are set to pop up when the temperature is right for dark meat and when they pop up the white meat is over cooked and will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to test the white meat for doneness and if the turkey is taken out of the oven at that temp the meat will continue to cook for a good bit and the dark meat will be done after it rests. Just the method to my madness.

Have a great day!

stella

[okiedokie]

Thanks folks! Brining is definitely the way to go! I think this was our best turkey ever! :D