Thanksgiving Turkey Cider Brine

You can’t have Thanksgiving without a tasty turkey! Am I right or am I right? Here’s my favorite recipe from Anita Lo for the best cider brine to make your turkey extra flavorful and delicious.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 quarts plus 1 cup of apple cider

• 1 cup kosher salt

• 1 cup soy sauce

• ½ cup (packed) light brown sugar

• 16 whole black peppercorns

• 8 whole star anise pods

• 6 garlic cloves, smashed

• 6 scallions, white parts only, trimmed, split lengthwise

• 6 ¼"-thick slices of unpeeled ginger

• 5 dried shiitake mushrooms

• 2 3"-4" cinnamon sticks

• 2 sprigs cilantro

DIRECTIONS:

STEP 1 - Bring 2 quarts cider, 1 cup salt, and the next 10 ingredients to a boil in a large pot, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar.

STEP 2 - Let the mixture cool to room temperature and stir in 1½ gallons of cold water.

STEP 3 -Add turkey to the brine and press down to submerge.

STEP 4 - Allow your turkey to brine at least overnight for the best results! You should keep your brining turkey covered and refrigerated, or you can fill your container with ice if it is too large for your refrigerator. My little secret is that if it is cold enough outside, I leave my turkey outside on our deck ;)

STEP 5 - After your turkey has brined, pat it dry, season, and cook as normal!

That’s it! Follow this recipe and you’ll be left with a wonderful turkey to share with the whole family. If you try it out, snap a photo and share the results with me online! Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@TrinaJenkins6), Twitter (@TrinaEJenkins), and Facebook (@TrinaJenkins6).