Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade/Brine

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Today was a tough day but I’m thankful.
I’m thankful I didn’t burn my whole hand instead of just one finger, I’m thankful nobody managed to piss me off ( although more than one person tried), I’m thankful my chiropractor is working Friday, because lifting this 20 lbs turkey totally messed up my back ( again) and finally I’m thankful we are going to enjoy ( hopefully) one quiet holiday with my family.

And because I’m so thankful today, I wanted to thank all of you, for sticking around even though I’m not posting as much as before. Thank you, to my 669 Facebook Fans, to my many subscribers and all the fans who keep e-mailing me about recipes ( you know who you are)! Thank you guys, for making me smile and showing me I shouldn’t give up and keep posting for you.
As I said, as long as there is one person who is reading that blog ( not counting my mom, who can’t read it anyway, since she doesn’t speak English) I’ll keep posting.
 So, for all of you I have a special way to say thank you for being there…( and because I got tired of sending the recipe to so many people separately) 🙂
My personal recipe for Thanksgiving Turkey Marinade!
Ta-da!

Ingredients:
1 large turkey ( 20 lbs)
1 large onion ( cut in half)
1 stick cinnamon
5-6 cloves ( not ground, whole)
3/4 cup sea salt
1/2 cup maple sugar
juice from 3 lemons ( wash them very well before squeezing, and after you are done place the leftovers in the marinade)
juice from 1 orange ( after you are done squeezing the juice, place the leftovers in the marinade like with the lemons)
1 gallon of water
1 cup white wine
1/2 cup strong alcohol ( like brandy, cognac or whiskey)
1 tbsp black pepper ( whole)
 fresh savory ( 2-3 pc)

Preparation:
1. Wash and clean the turkey. In a large pot* or something that will fit the turkey place all the ingredients, mix well until the salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Place the turkey in the marinade and store in the refrigerator for at least 10 hours.
3. Turn the turkey in the marinade AT LEAST 4 times for that period.

* You can use baking turkey bag to marinate too, but make sure you have a pot or something underneath, in case the bag rips.

4. After the 10 hours wash** the turkey thoroughly and proceed baking according to your favorite recipe. You can check out my favorite, if you are interested. 

** Some people ( like me) prefer to wash off the marinade and then use fresh spices and herbs to bake, some people prefer to bake right away. You can do either, although I recommend washing before baking.




Happy Thanksgiving!

Annie