Ingredients
Brine (for Tuesday morning)
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1 cup salt
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1 cup orange juice
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1 cup brown sugar
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1 gallon water
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1 (3 inch) cinnamon stick
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1 (15 pound) turkey, thawed if purchased frozen
Marinade (for Wednesday morning)
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3 oranges, sliced
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3 lemons, sliced
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½ cup chopped onion
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½ cup chopped green bell pepper
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¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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1 tablespoon whole cloves
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¼ cup garlic powder
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2 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
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2 tablespoons paprika
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¼ cup olive oil
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3 tablespoons ground black pepper
Directions
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On the Tuesday morning before Thanksgiving, whisk together salt, orange juice, brown sugar, a cinnamon stick and water in a large nonreactive container with a cover, such as a large stainless steel stockpot. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve, about 5 minutes. Place the turkey into the brine, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
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The next day, remove turkey from the first marinade, shake off excess, and pat the bird dry. Discard the brine. Clean the stockpot or brining container.
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In the clean stockpot, make the marinade by stirring together together sliced oranges, sliced lemons, onion, green bell pepper, parsley, cloves, garlic powder, cinnamon sticks, paprika, olive oil, and pepper. Place the turkey into the stockpot and rub the marinade into the turkey. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
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On Thanksgiving Day, remove turkey from the marinade and shake off the excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Roast the turkey using your favorite method.
Editor's Note:
If there is not enough brine to completely cover the turkey, make additional. Do not dilute the brine with water, or the flavor will be weakened.
Always brine foods in a food-grade, nonreactive container such as a stainless steel or enameled stockpot, a brining bag, or a food-grade plastic bucket. Never use ordinary trash bags, plastic trash cans, or metal buckets or containers not meant for food use.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 814 | Calories |
| 36g | Fat |
| 27g | Carbs |
| 93g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 15 | |
| Calories 814 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 36g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat 10g | 49% |
| Cholesterol 268mg | 89% |
| Sodium 238mg | 10% |
| Total Carbohydrate 27g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 13% |
| Total Sugars 20g | |
| Protein 93g | 187% |
| Vitamin C 51mg | 56% |
| Calcium 156mg | 12% |
| Iron 7mg | 39% |
| Potassium 1150mg | 24% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
