- 8 cups hot water
- 2/3 cup (3 ounces or 85 grams) Diamon Crystal brand kosher salt
- 1 cup honey
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
- 2 teaspoons whole allspice berries, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cups ice water
- In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of the hot water with the salt, honey, cloves, peppercorns, and allspice. Add the bay leaves and thyme along with the remaining hot water. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently until the salt has dissolved. Boil for 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Add the ice water and stir to cool the mixture. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
- Proceed with brining the turkey.