Garlic & Citrus Brined Turkey

Our in laws purchased a turkey a couple of months ago and we offered to brine it and have them over to eat it. It turned out delicious! We always smoke our turkeys so that on top of the brine gives them so much flavor. We served it with corn on the cob and roasted sweet potatoes.

For the brine:
1/2 c salt
1/2 c brown sugar
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
3 bay leaves
3-4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 gallon water

For the turkey:
1 8-10 pound turkey
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1-2 Tbsp oil ( I used butter)

Dissolve the salt and brown sugar in one gallon of water. Place the turkey in a large stock pot or a brining bag. Pour the brining solution over the turkey. Add the sliced fruit, garlic and bay leaves to the brine solution. Refrigerate the solution overnight or place in a cooler with ice. Before cooking the turkey, rinse it well inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey inside out with oil, salt and pepper. Cook as desired.

Turkey and Potato Chowder

I had some leftover smoked roasted turkey in the freezer that I need to use up so I decided to make a soup out of it. The soup was so good and filling. You could substitute rotisserie chicken in the place of the turkey. I think that it would work just as well.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion
1.5 c carrots, finely diced
1 c celery, finely chopped
1 tbsp flour
4 medium potatoes, thinly chopped
2 c shredded cooked turkey
4 c chicken broth
1 c water
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1/4 c fat free half-and-half

Directions:
Heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, carrots and celery and cook over medium-low heat until they are soft. Add the flour and mix well. Put the sliced potatoes, chicken broth and water into the pot. Bring to a boil then lower to a simmer and cook until potatoes are soft. Add the turkey and the half-and-half and simmer until the soup is hot. Add the salt, pepper and crushed red pepper to taste.