LIQUID SMOKE TURKEY BRINE RECIPES

Steps:

• Remove the turkey breast from the packaging but leave the net intact as this is what holds it's shape while it cooks.
• To a medium pot add 1 quart of water, 1 TBS of course ground black pepper, 1 TBS of red pepper flakes, 2 long sprigs of thyme, 2 long sprigs of rosemary and 8-10 garlic cloves smashed with the side of a knife.
• Bring to a boil then remove it from the heat and let it steep covered for 20-30 minutes.
• Place the mixture in the fridge for several hours to cool.
• To make the brine, add 3 quarts of cold water to a gallon sized pitcher and 1 cup of kosher salt.
• Stir the mixture until the salt is dissolved.
• Add the cooled mixture from the fridge into the brine and stir to combine.
• Place the turkey breasts into a brining container and pour the brine over the turkey to cover and then into the fridge for 4 hours.
• After brining is complete, rinse the turkey breasts under cold water.
• With the net still intact, brush on a little cooking oil and season the outside of the turkey breasts liberally with Jeff's original rub.
• Set the seasoned turkey onto Weber grill pans, Bradley racks or regular cooling racks and they are ready to go into the smoker
• Setup your smoker for cooking at 225-240 °F with indirect heat.
• When the smoker is preheated, place the pan with the turkey breasts into the smoker.
• Let the turkey cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 162°F.
• Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest under loose foil for about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the net from the turkey breasts being careful to not disturb the crust more than necessary.
• Slice and serve.

Steps:

• Bring cider, cooking wine, and next 8 ingredients to a boil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until salt and sorghum are dissolved. Remove pot from heat, stir in ice. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Place turkey in the brine. (Brine should mostly cover turkey. If it doesn’t, find a smaller pot. If the turkey still isn’t fully covered, you’ll need to turn it over in the brine about halfway through the process.) Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 5 to 12 hours. (Do not over brine your turkey or you’ll end up with salty meat!)
• Prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer's directions, bringing the internal temperature to 225 degrees F using your favorite type of wood chips.
• Remove the turkey breast from the brine. Pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey low in the smoker and cook for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 165 to 170 degrees F.
• Remove cooked turkey breast, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let stand 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.