The calls to the hotline are coming in and it looks like A LOT of Thanksgiving hosts and hostesses are opting to brine their turkeys this year. Great call! (PS We’ve also had far fewer discussions about deep fried turkey ….?) Tonight is the night to settle in on your brining ingredients and what follows are our suggestions about how to match your turkey brine with your family’s Thanksgiving menu.

Brine Pairings for Your Menu

ChefsLine Chef Jackie’s Favorite Turkey Brine. This brine lends an earthiness to your holiday turkey. Ideal for wild mushroom stuffing and pairs well with glazed root vegetables and corn. ChefsLine > > >

A very Martha Menu. This brine will leave your turkey succulent and full of flavor. This European inspired marinade makes your turkey a perfect match for herb roasted potatoes, creamed onions, or stuffings studded with jewel-like dried cranberries or currants. Martha Stewart > > >

Hearty New England. Terrific choice with nice sweetness, just perfect for traditional New England dinner or great choice to pair with a cornbread stuffing. Bruce Aidells Molasses-Brined Turkey > > >

Light and Veggie. The citrus notes from this brine will bring out the best in vegetables or light dishes. Great classic brine recipe! Emeril Lagassee > > >

Rich AND Sweet, Cider-Brined and Glazed Turkey. This brine produces a moist and delicious turkey that goes beautifully with winter squashes and harvest fruits (apples, pears). A lovely touch of sweetness.
Emeril’s Brine-Herb Roasted Turkey > > >

AND OUR BEST OF THE WEB AWARD FOR BRINES GOES TO . . . .
Chef Lagasse and His Perfectly Spicy Brine. This juicy turkey has some bite….and is the perfect main event for ChefsLine’s Southwestern Thanksgiving menu. Paired with our delicious chipotle mashed potatoes and delightful Santa Fe green beans, this turkey really brings home the smoky flavors of the old southwest. Emeril Lagassee > > >

For more details on these recipes and instructions for how to brine your turkey - check out ChefsLine’s All About Turkey Guide.