Spiced Orange Harvest Brine

Serves: 18

Prep: 10 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 1/4 cups kosher salt

1 cup dark brown sugar

3 bottles (12 ounces each) Blue Moon® Belgian white beer

4 cinnamon sticks

4 oranges, 3 zested (about 3 tablespoons) and juiced (about 3/4 cup), 1 thinly sliced crosswise

3 star anise pods

2 tablespoons coriander seeds

1 tablespoon cardamom pods

1/2 tablespoon fennel seeds

1/2 tablespoon whole allspice

2 teaspoons ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cloves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In large saucepot, heat salt, sugar and 4 cups water to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally; remove from heat.

2. Add beer, cinnamon sticks, orange juice, orange zest, orange slices, star anise, coriander, cardamom, fennel, allspice, nutmeg, cloves and 12 cups cold water to salt mixture; use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

CHEF TIP(S):

To brine a 12 to 14 pound turkey, remove neck, giblets and liver from turkey. Place turkey in 3-gallon saucepot or bucket. Pour cooled brine over turkey; place heavy plate or bricks on top of turkey to completely submerge turkey in the brine. Refrigerate turkey in brine at least 12 or up to 18 hours.

Approximate nutritional values per serving (1 serving (based on 18 (6-ounce) servings of turkey)): 319 Calories, 12g Fat, 4g Saturated Fat, 183mg Cholesterol, 303mg Sodium, 0g Carbohydrates, 0g Fiber, 0g Sugars, 0g Added Sugars, 48g Protein