Apple Cider Brine Turkey

Turkey breast on the smoker are wonderful.  Add a flavorful brine and you can't beat it.  Another good thing about doing a turkey on the smoker at Thanksgiving is it doesn't tie up your oven all morning.

The turkey becomes a golden color.

Now turkeys are great anytime but you can't always find apple cider so this one is best for Thanksgiving.

Start with 4 cups apple cider

3 bay leaves

1 tablespoon allspice

1/3 cup kosher salt

1/3 cup brown sugar

4 cups ice water

Put that in a large pot.  Simmer on the stove top for about 5 minutes. Stirring. 

Add the ice water after the simmering. Let cool for a little bit. 

Add the turkey to the brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 

Next morning.  Take the pot with the brine out of the fridge.  Take the turkey out and wash it well.  You want to wash off some of that salt.  Boil 2 cups of cider in a saucepan until it reduces to 1/4 cup.  About 30-45 minutes.  I think it took me longer.  Whisk in 1 stick of butter and let it cool. Take two tablespoons of butter and smear it under the skin of the turkey.  Place the turkey on the smoker and cook until you get an internal temp of 160.  It takes about 3-4 hours.  After the first 20 minutes of cooking baste the turkey with the cider glaze.

Let the turkey stand 30 minutes before carving it. 

Apple Cider Brine Turkey Recipe

4 cups plus 2 cups apple cider

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 Tablespoon allspice

1/3 cup kosher salt

3 bay leaves

4 cups ice cream

1 turkey breast

1/2 cup butter plus two tablespoons