If you’re tired of serving dry and flavorless turkey on Thanksgiving or any other occasion, it’s time to try Lynn Crawford’s turkey brine recipe. Lynn Crawford is a famous Canadian chef and TV personality who has been in the culinary industry for over 25 years. Her turkey brine recipe is easy to make and promises to deliver a juicy and flavorful turkey consistently. In this article, we will dive into the details of Lynn Crawford’s turkey brine and how you can use it to impress your guests.
What is Turkey Brine?
Before we get into the specifics of Lynn Crawford’s turkey brine, let’s understand what turkey brine is. Turkey brine contains water, salt, sugar, and other flavorful ingredients such as herbs, spices, and citrus fruits. Brining is a technique that involves soaking meat in a brine solution for several hours before cooking. The brining process allows the meat to absorb the flavors of the brine and stay moist and tender while cooking.
Ingredients for Lynn Crawford’s Turkey Brine
- 2 gallons of water
- 1 1/2 cups kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 oranges, quartered
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 6 sprigs of thyme
- 4 sprigs of rosemary
- 4 sprigs of sage
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon allspice berries
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water, kosher salt, and brown sugar to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the cooled brine solution and stir well.
- Rinse the turkey thoroughly and remove any giblets or necks from the cavity. Place the turkey in a large bringing bag or container.
- Pour the brine solution over the turkey, ensuring it’s completely submerged. If using a bag, tie the bag tightly and place it in a roasting pan. If using a container, cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- Take the turkey from the brine mixture and use paper towels to dry it by gently pressing it down on the surface. Discard the brine solution. Roast the turkey according to your preferred method, occasionally basting with melted butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
Why Lynn Crawford’s Turkey Brine Works?
Lynn Crawford’s turkey brine recipe is unique because of the combination of ingredients she uses. The salt and sugar in the brine solution helps break down the turkey’s proteins, making it more tender and juicy. The citrus fruits, herbs, and spices add a depth of flavor to the turkey, making it taste more complex and satisfying.
The bringing time is also crucial. Lynn Crawford recommends bringing the turkey for 12-24 hours, longer than most other brine recipes. This extended brining time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful turkey.
Tips for Using Lynn Crawford’s Turkey Brine
- Use a fresh or thawed turkey. If using a frozen turkey, ensure it’s completely thawed before bringing it.
- Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine solution.
- Use a large pot or container to fit the turkey and the brine solution.
- Use a bringing or clean food-grade plastic bag to prevent leaks.
- Rinse the turkey thoroughly and pat dry before roasting.
- Discard the brine solution after use.
Conclusion
Lynn Crawford’s turkey brine is a simple yet effective way to elevate your turkey game and impress your guests. The combination of salt, sugar, citrus fruits, and herbs creates a brine solution that tenderizes the meat and adds a delicious depth of flavor. Following the instructions and tips, you can ensure your turkey is juicy, flavorful, and a showstopper on any occasion. So, try Lynn Crawford’s turkey brine and take your turkey to the next level.