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an apple cider brined turkey on a rustic platter in a wide horizontal shot, burnished golden skin surrounded by apple halves and cinnamon sticks, pine garland and candles behind, warm cozy light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Cider Brined Christmas Turkey

Turkey soaked in spiced apple cider, makes for a sweet and tender roast.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole turkey 12 lb
  • 4 cups apple cider
  • 0.75 cup kosher salt
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
  • 3 quarts water

Method
 

  1. Warm the cider with the salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, and peppercorns until dissolved.
  2. Stir in the cold water to cool the brine completely.
  3. Submerge the turkey and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Remove, rinse, and pat the turkey dry, then roast at 325F until the thigh reads 165F, about three hours.
  5. Rest the turkey 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Always cool the brine fully before adding the turkey, or you risk warming the meat.