Turkey Brine
- 8 quarts water
- 2 cups coarse salt
- 1 cup honey
- 2 bunches fresh thyme
- 8 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons coarsely cracked black pepper
- Line extra-large stockpot with heavy large plastic bag (about 30-gallon capacity). Rinse turkey; place in plastic bag. Stir 8 quarts water, 2 cups coarse salt and 1 cup honey in large pot until salt and honey dissolve. Add 1 bunch fresh thyme, peeled garlic cloves and black pepper. Pour brine over turkey. Gather plastic bag tightly around turkey so that bird is covered with brine; seal plastic bag. Refrigerate pot with turkey in brine at least 12 hours and up to 18 hours.
- Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350u0b0F. Drain turkey well; discard brine. Pat turkey dry inside and out. Squeeze juice from lemon halves into main cavity. Add lemon rinds and remaining 1 bunch fresh thyme to main cavity. Tuck wings under turkey; tie legs together loosely to hold shape. Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan. Rub turkey all over with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
water, coarse salt, honey, thyme, garlic, black pepper
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/turkey-brine-50057842 (may not work)