Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! It's time to dust off the cookbooks and get ready for a fabulous meal.You will undoubtedly find that many recipes call for brining your turkey.Many people wonder why brining produces a superior turkey.First of all, what is brining? During brining, moisture is added to the turkey using a salt and water mixture.The salt causes the meat tissues to absorb the water and flavorings.So, despite the moisture loss during roasting, you will still get a moist and juicy bird.Brining a turkey is relatively easy, and there are many recipes available that go beyond just a salt and water mixture.The first step in brining is to find a container large enough to completely submerge the turkey.It must be small enough to fit in your fridge, however.If you use a shallow pan, make sure you are turning the turkey over periodically.The basic ratio is two cups of kosher salt to two gallons of water.Some recipes will call for adding some sweetness or citrus flavors as well.The salt should be completely dissolved in two cups of hot water before adding it to the remaining water.Completely submerge the turkey in the brine for at least eight hours in the refrigerator.You can leave it longer, but do not exceed 24 hours.Then, cook the turkey as directed.It is often said that brining is the secret to a juicy turkey that is full of flavor.With the number of recipes and the ease of the process, try it for your next holiday dinner!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Thanksgiving Turkey - Why Brining Produces a Superior Turkey
Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! It's time to dust off the cookbooks and get ready for a fabulous meal.You will undoubtedly find that many recipes call for brining your turkey.Many people wonder why brining produces a superior turkey.First of all, what is brining? During brining, moisture is added to the turkey using a salt and water mixture.The salt causes the meat tissues to absorb the water and flavorings.So, despite the moisture loss during roasting, you will still get a moist and juicy bird.Brining a turkey is relatively easy, and there are many recipes available that go beyond just a salt and water mixture.The first step in brining is to find a container large enough to completely submerge the turkey.It must be small enough to fit in your fridge, however.If you use a shallow pan, make sure you are turning the turkey over periodically.The basic ratio is two cups of kosher salt to two gallons of water.Some recipes will call for adding some sweetness or citrus flavors as well.The salt should be completely dissolved in two cups of hot water before adding it to the remaining water.Completely submerge the turkey in the brine for at least eight hours in the refrigerator.You can leave it longer, but do not exceed 24 hours.Then, cook the turkey as directed.It is often said that brining is the secret to a juicy turkey that is full of flavor.With the number of recipes and the ease of the process, try it for your next holiday dinner!
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