My Favorite Turkey Brine

3 cups apple cider

2 cups brown sugar 

1 cup kosher salt 

3 tablespoons tricolor peppercorns 

5 whole bay leaves 

5 cloves garlic, minced 

4 sprigs rosemary, leaves stripped off 

Peel of three large oranges, removed in large strips

1 turkey 

Directions

1. Combine 2 gallons cold water with the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, rosemary and orange peels in a large pot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover.
2. Allow to cool completely, then place into the fridge to chill. Place uncooked turkey in the chilled brine solution, then refrigerate for 16 to 24 hours.
3. When ready to roast the turkey, remove from the brine. Submerge the turkey in a pot or sink of fresh, cold water. Allow to sit in clean water for 15 minutes to remove excess salt from the outside.
4. Discard the brine. Remove the turkey from the clean water, pat dry, and cook according to your normal roasting method.