Honey-Apple Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup honey
• 1 large red apple , cored and thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion , quartered
• 3 cloves garlic , crushed
• 3 large bay leaves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 8 cups apple cider
• 4 cups ice
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat water in a large stockpot over medium-high heat to a simmer. Add salt and honey; stir to dissolve. Off heat, stir in apple slices, onion, garlic, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppercorns. Cool brine to room temperature. Set the pot in a sink full of ice water to speed up the cooling process, if desired.

2. 2

   Stir in apple cider, ice, and apple cider vinegar. Chill brine to 40 degrees F (4 degrees C), or colder, before using.