Buying a brined turkey vs. brining your own?

[mmsmom]

My local Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have fresh brined turkeys. Anyone tried one? I usually brine my own but wondering how the store bought brined ones compare.

[jgenie]

We bought one from WF last year and plan to do the same this year. So much easier and it was tasty.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I saw that at WF yesterday when I was ordering my turkey. I wonder what flavor they use. The brining flavor can impact the gravy's flavor and I am picky about that. :) I really like the flavor of one of the brining kits they sell there (even more than Alton Brown's brine) so I just stuck with an unbrined bird. I'll do my own. It's nice to see good reviews though! Maybe we'll try one at Christmas, if available.

Beth

[boolady]

I really like the flavor of one of the brining kits they sell there (even more than Alton Brown's brine) so I just stuck with an unbrined bird.

Which one do you like? I was going to make a Martha Stewart brine, but if there's a tasty kit, I'd love to hear about it. I have also never considered the impact of the brine upon my gravy...hmmm. Can you tell me more? It would be a great help. TIA!

[SnuggleBuggles]

The gravy....heaven. :) The brine adds that extra little bit of saltiness that I think is wonderful plus extra moisture. The past 2 Thanksgivings I have bought from Whole Foods the Fire and Flavor brand Herb Blend Turkey Brining Kit. They sell it in non kit form (the kit gives you a disposable bag for brining in...one less thing I'm stuck cleaning on Thanksgiving!). This is the brand but not the flavor. I haven't tried that one though I have almost bought it in the past.
http://www.amazon.com/Flavor-Perfect-Brining-21-5-Ounce-Packages/dp/B003MU3JO4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290024955&sr=8-2

Beth

[Dream]

After reading the good reviews about TJ brined t'key, even I'm considering going that route. I was initially planning on having chicken since its only about8 of us and didn't want a huge t'key, But when I called TJ they said their low weight is about 14lb t'key which I'm thinking would be ok.

One questions I have... I don't need to marinate or add extra salt right?

[elbenn]

Has anyone tried the brining recipe on Weelicious.com?

[infomama]

I am brining my own and am a little concerned about the gravy. Gravy is SO important and if it sucks it will be my fault. I can't take that kind of rejection on Thanksgiving ;)
I'm following WS brine recipe unless someone says otherwise....http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/roasted-turkey-with-brown-sugar-brine.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH

[boolady]

The gravy....heaven. :) The brine adds that extra little bit of saltiness that I think is wonderful plus extra moisture. The past 2 Thanksgivings I have bought from Whole Foods the Fire and Flavor brand Herb Blend Turkey Brining Kit. They sell it in non kit form (the kit gives you a disposable bag for brining in...one less thing I'm stuck cleaning on Thanksgiving!). This is the brand but not the flavor. I haven't tried that one though I have almost bought it in the past.
http://www.amazon.com/Flavor-Perfect-Brining-21-5-Ounce-Packages/dp/B003MU3JO4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1290024955&sr=8-2

Beth

Thank you for the information, I may try this.


I am brining my own and am a little concerned about the gravy. Gravy is SO important and if it sucks it will be my fault. I can't take that kind of rejection on Thanksgiving ;)
I'm following WS brine recipe unless someone says otherwise....http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/roasted-turkey-with-brown-sugar-brine.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH

This looks great, too. Hmmm.

ETA: This the recipe I was going to use. Can anyone tell me if they think it will negatively impact upon my gravy?

http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/turkey-brine-from-living

[SnuggleBuggles]

If you like all the ingredients in that brine you should be fine. We used the Alton Brown one for years but skipped the rosemary, which I hate. It's in ingredient in the brine kit I recommended but for some reason it doesn't bother me in there.
Alton Brown's:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html

Beth

[boolady]

Beth, I was just looking up the Fire and Flavor Herb brining kit. It sure seems easier. I may swing by WF this weekend to see if they have any left. I think the flavors in the kit might be a better bet if it's going to transfer some of the taste to the gravy, especially for my first Thanksgiving turkey go-around.