Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Brine: 4 cups water 4 cups apple juice 1 � cups kosher salt (or 1 cup table salt) � cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 tablespoon candied ginger 10 cloves 2 sprigs each rosemar y, sage, and thyme AF TER THE BR INE IS COOKED 6 cups ice cubes 4 cups apple juice 1 large apple (quartered) 1 yellow onion (quartered) Rub: � cup dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (hot or mild, whichever you prefer) 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons onion powder 1 teaspoon ground mustard � teaspoon cayenne pepper Mix all ingredients for dr y rub and set aside.

2. 2

   Make the brine.

3. 3

   In a large stockpot, combine the water, apple juice, salt, spices, and herbs.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil.

5. 5

   Remove the brine from the heat and stir in the remaining cold apple juice and the ice cubes.

6. 6

   Allow the brine to fully cool before adding the turkey.

7. 7

   Brine the turkey.

8. 8

   Once the brine is fully chilled, add the turkey to the container you plan to brine it.

9. 9

   Pour the apple spice turkey brine over the turkey and nestle the sliced apple and onion in the brine around the turkey.

10. 10

    Brine in a container that can keep the turkey fully submerged in the brine.

11. 11

    Also, keep your turkey and brine below 40� F during the entire brining process.

12. 12

    Brine your turkey for a minimum of 8 hours, and no longer than 18 hours, or approximately 1 hour per pound of turkey.

13. 13

    Once your turkey has been in the brine for long enough, remove from the brine pat completely dr y with a paper towel.

14. 14

    Rub Turkey with Dr y Rub.

15. 15

    If you like, you can stu the turkey cavity with the apple and onion slices from the brine.

16. 16

    Smoke at 225� for 8-12 hours till Turkey breasts reaches 180�