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Rosemary Citrus Turkey Brine

This turkey brine creates a delicious and moist Thanksgiving Turkey.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: turkey brine
Servings: 1 turkey
Author: Kristen Duke
Ingredients
Turkey Brine
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 oranges quartered
  • 2 lemons quartered
  • 6 sprigs thyme
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
Turkey Stuffing
  • 1 yellow onion large, cut in 8th
  • 1 orange large, cut in 8th
  • 1 stalk celery cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 carrot large, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs thyme
Instructions
  1. To make the brining solution, dissolve the salt and sugar in 2 gallons of cold water in a non-reactive container (such as a clean bucket or large stockpot, or a clean, heavy-duty, plastic garbage bag.)

    Add the oranges, lemons, thyme, and rosemary.

    Note: if you have a big turkey and need more brine than this, use 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar for every gallon of water.

  2. Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse well under cold running water. Pat dry with paper towels, inside and out. Place breast side down in a large, heavy roasting pan, and rub on all sides with Olive Oil at room temperature. Season lightly inside and out with salt and pepper.

  3. Bake according to weight.