Editor's note: Use this brine to make Diane Morgan's Juniper-Brined Roast Turkey with Chanterelle Mushroom Gravy
Ingredients
2/3 cup (3 ounces or 85 grams) Diamond Crystal brand kosher salt
2/3 cup sugar
6 whole cloves
1 teaspoon juniper berries, crushed (see Cook's Note)
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed (see Cook's Note)
2 teaspoons whole allspice berries, crushed (see Cook's Note)
5 fresh sage leaves
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
8 cups hot water
4 cups ice water
Directions
In a large saucepan, stir together the salt, sugar, cloves, juniper berries, peppercorns, and allspice. Add the sage leaves, thyme, and bay leaves along with the hot water. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Boil for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Add the ice water and stir to cool the mixture. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
Proceed with brining the turkey .
The easiest way to crush whole spices is to use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. If you do not have either of these kitchen tools, place the whole spices in a heavy lock-top plastic bag, seal the bag while pressing out all the air, and pound them with the bottom of a small, heavy saucepan until coarsely crushed.
