"Louis Cohen" > wrote in message
...
> Prepare a brine of:
>
> 1 cup kosher salt (or 1/2 cup table salt)
> 1 cup sugar (or molasses, maple syrup, whatever)
> other seasonings you like
>
> per gallon of water (You might need about 1.5 - 2 gallons for that size
> turkey).
>
> Put the turkey in the brine in a non-reactive container and keep it
> refrigerated for 24 hrs.
>
> On the day you are going to cook, drain the turkey, rinse, and pat dry.
> Re-season as you like but no more salt.
>
> Different cooking temps will produce different results:
>
> - 220-240° will give you a nice smoky flavor and a somewhat drier texture,
> but rubbery skin unless you increase the temp at the end
> - regular oven temp (375-400° for this size bird) is my favorite - it will
> still be smoky, but moist and juicy with crispy skin
>
> Use a vertical stand with the bird neck down if you can.
>
> The bird is done when the temp is 160° touching bone in the breast
>
> Let it rest 45 minutes before carving.
>
Thanks Louis. Nice and simple seasonings and cooking. I particularly
appreciate the tips about cooking.
Janet