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Recipes Nugget Markets Signature Recipes

Signature Brine

Prep time
10 minutes, plus 1–2 hours cooling PT0.16666666666667M
Cook time
5 minutes PT5M
Yield
2 gallons
Difficulty
1 out of 5 on the difficulty scale
traditional brine ingredients: orange halves and spices Nugget Markets signature recipes

This classic brine is ideal for a holiday turkey, though you may need to make a double batch depending on the size of your bird and brining container. Once your brine is ready, immerse your chosen poultry, cover, and refrigerate for 24–48 hours for best results.

Ingredients

  • 1 gallon water
  • 2 cups kosher salt
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 6 juniper berries
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 12 black peppercorns
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 gallon ice

Preparation

Combine all ingredients except ice in a large pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring to dissolve the salt. Remove from heat, add ice, and let cool completely before using.