Can't make up my mind

[Terrytx]

I am going to do my first brined turkey this year and I keep going back and forth between the Alton Brown recipe and brined Maple Turkey from last years CL. I know both have gotten rave reviews and I probably can't go wrong with either one, but ya'll help me decide on which one.

[greysangel]

Terry - I can't speak for the AB one, but I made the one from last year and it was excellent enough to repeat it this year. The turkey was incredibly moist (used a clay pot), flavorful and the gravy was delicious.

J

[claire797]

Terry, I have made both. The Alton Brown turkey is better IMHO. It seems to absorb more flavor from the brine. That is, you get hints of allspice, ginger and brown suguar. I didn't get much maple flavor at all from CL's brine. The Coca Cola and maple syrup part was good, but the flavor didn't permeate the turkey like the Alton Brown brine did.

[Terrytx]

one of each! Any more takers.

[Kismet]

I haven't made the AB one, either, but I really liked the CL one from last year. I agree, it didn't have a very mapley flavor, but it was very juicy and yummy! I, too, am making it again this year!

[claire797]

Alton Brown's is very juicy too. :D

[Kismet]

Originally posted by claire797
Alton Brown's is very juicy too. :D

:D :D :D

Maybe I'll have to try that one this year to compare! ;) :) :D

[Linda in MO]

Well, I've decided to make the one from CL, but I have a question...

Can someone describe the flavor of the gravy? Is it really sweet and will it taste good over mashed potatoes?

[claire797]

The only bad thing about the AB recipe is that if you use his high-heat method, you have to use a lot of fans or else you will set off your smoke alarms.

[greysangel]

Linda - I think the gravy is really good and not sweet as in cola sweet. I think the flavor of the maple does come through but it's not overpowering because you do have herbs going on with the turkey. It's kind of hard to describe the gravy apart from GOOD! It's not a "country" gravy...just a creamy light brown gravy that I found to be delicious with the turkey and taters!

JeAnne

[Linda in MO]

Thanks JeAnne! I'm just having a hard time figuring out what it will taste like. :)
I'm excited because I was able to find a "fresh"/never-been-frozen/minimally processed turkey at the store today. Most of the other turkeys have a saline solution added.

[jjf]

i have been trying to decide between the same 2 brining recipes (it will also be my 1st time brining a turkey). i am going to make the maple brined turkey.
i'm hoping someone who made it last year might check back on this thread and answer a question for me. the recipe calls for a 12 pound turkey - i bought a 10 pound fresh turkey since there are only 5 of us this year. i'm wondering how much i should reduce the salt/liquid - i originally thought i would just use the same recipe, but with a 10 lb turkey, but i'm nervous it will come out too salty. what do you guys think? thanks in advance!

jen

[Kismet]

jjf - I'd use the same amount of brine - the proportions of liquid to salt are just right in this recipe. It shouldn't matter that your turkey is smaller.

Good luck with your bird! :D

[Peggy]

Terry,

I had the CL Maple Turkey last year and it was so good I have decided to repeat it this year. I can't comment on the Alton Brown one because I've never made it. I'm sure you can't go wrong either way.:)

Peggy

[Terrytx]

I still haven't been able to decide:rolleyes: . Each has it's own appeal, so........I am handing both recipes to the DH and letting him decide.:D