Irresistible Fruity Turkey Brine Recipe: A Flavorful Twist

Ingredients

• 9 cans of vegetable broth, each 14 ounces
• 1 ½ cups of finely chopped candied ginger
• 1 ½ cups of dried cherries
• 4 ounces of dried pears
• 4 ounces of dried apples
• 2 ½ cups of brown sugar
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons of whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon of whole allspice berries
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 fresh sage leaves
• 1 gallon of ice-cold water
• 1 whole frozen turkey, weighing 15 pounds, not thawed
• 1 white onion, cut into quarters
• 1 red apple, cored and quartered
• A sprig of fresh rosemary, to your liking
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• A sage leaf, to your liking
• 3 cups of water, or more as needed to cover
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, or as necessary

Step 1

Combine vegetable broth, candied ginger, dried cherries, pears, apples, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks, and sage leaves in a large stockpot. Stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Once done, remove the pot from heat and add ice water to cool the brine. Refrigerate until cold, which usually takes about 2 hours. Place the frozen turkey in the brine and let it soak for 3 days, remembering to flip it on the second day.

Step 3

On the third day, when ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Take the turkey out of the brine and put it in a roasting pan. Dispose of the brine.

Step 4

Next, prepare a flavorful mixture by combining onion, red apple, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and sage leaf in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Fill the cup with water and microwave until hot. Pour this fragrant liquid into the turkey cavity and rub the skin with vegetable oil.

Step 5

Roast the turkey in the oven for 4 to 4 1/2 hours until it turns a beautiful golden brown and the juices run clear. Check with a meat thermometer - it should read 165 degrees F when inserted into the thigh.