Brine

Marinades

2/3 cup salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup black pepper; cracked
1 pinch dried thyme
13 cloves
13 allspice; cracked
3 bay leaves
13 juniper berries; crushed
1 gallon water

Combine salt, sugar, pepper, thyme, cloves, allspice, bay leaves and juniper berries in saucepan. Add 1 quart water and bring to boil. Simmer 5 minutes, then add to 1 gallon cold water. Chill thoroughly before using brine. This recipe is enough for a 12- to 14-pound turkey. For a pork loin, cut all of the amounts by half; for fish or chops, cut them into quarters.