Another Brine question......

[hocus smokus]

Sorry if this is a redundant question, but I haven't seen an answer on the boards.
When you prepare the brine, do you mix up the ingredients in a blender? Or just toss them in a container with the bird and let it soak?
Thanks guys

 

[placebo]

I do not but some may. Kind of depends on what your using I guess. Rosemary, Bay leaf and those types of ingrediants do not need to be blended, just toss them in.

 

[the dude abides]

I simmer mine over low heat just just until it breaks down the sugars and salt. Then cool that down with ice, add the rest of your water, and drop in the bird and let the waiting game begin.

Here's a link to one I did with chicken, but same principals apply
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...ad.php?t=75656

 

[fire it up]

Boil water and whatever spices you are using, then you can add ice to quick cool but make sure it is fully cooled before adding to the bird.
The heating will activate a lot of the flavors in your herbs and spices and will allow those flavors to come out into the brine solution.

 

[hocus smokus]

Ok great! Thanks for the input!!!

And Dude, that chicken looked AWESOME!

 

[the dude abides]

Thanks hocus, I love those chicken quarters.

Good luck on your smoke. Have a great Thanksgiving.

 

[mballi3011]

Like they both said heat up the brine if not stir it up reallt hard and fast and then you should be fine you just need to mix up all the spices and mix them really well.