Carlene's Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 4 cups water, plus enough to cover bird
• 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 head of garlic, peeled & smashed
• 1 onion, coarsely chopped
• 3 bay leaves, broken
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon peppercorn
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes

Directions

1. 1

   Pour 4 cups of water into a large saucespan. Add all other ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring to dissolve the brown sugar and kosher salt. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Pour into a covered container and refrigerate overnight.

2. 2

   When ready to brine the bird, pour brine solution with herbs & spices over the bird. Add enough cold water to cover. Keep refrigerated or in a cool place.

3. 3

   When ready to prepare bird, rinse well under cold water. Dry with paper towels. For a crisper skin, allow bird to dry in refigerator for 24 hours before roasting.