Master Brine

Ingredients

• Basic Brine:
• 6 cups water
• 4 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 6 teaspoons black peppercorns
• Spice Flavoring:
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 10 whole cloves
• 4 star anise
• Herb Flavoring:
• 8 thyme sprigs
• 4 bay leaves

Preparation

1. 1. To prepare basic brine, combine first 4 ingredients in a large heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag. Add ingredients for either the spice flavoring or the herb flavoring; seal bag, shaking until salt and sugar dissolve.
2. Tip: For larger cuts of meat or a larger bird like a turkey, triple or quadruple the mixture.