Brining turkey

[Maria2007loveshersleep]

I'm planning to brine my turkey this year, a la Nigella. It arrived yesterday morning & is sitting, still in its box, in the garden as there's no room for the whole thing in the fridge.

Question: can I get it out & put it in brine today? We're planning to have Christmas meal sometime Saturday afternoon / early evening. Is a bit more than 2 days too much? Also, can it safely be left in garden?

Also one more question for anyone who's done the brining thing: does the turkey become too salty at the end? (won't risk it if that's the case).

if you are following Nigella......do NOT follow her recommendation on timing, as they are completely wrong. Get a meat thermometer and increase cook time by at least an hour, if not more.

in answer to you questions....id wait until tomorrow morning, but i don't think putting it in early will harm, esp in current temps.
Only in garden if you have no foxes. ALso, temps are sub zero overnight, so you may end up wit a turkey popsicle. I'd keep it inside.

turkey is slightly salty but no more than a preprepared turkey joint, or the turkey you buy at the deli.

Thanks for recommendations.

If I keep turkey inside won't it be a problem with the central heating? It's currently sitting outside in its box (still): haven't taken giblets out.

do you have a garage? or a shed? just to keep it away from foxy.

Yes shed might be a good idea.

Any other tips about brining?

Hi Maria2007lovershersleep. I brined my turkey last year and it was delicious. I am going to do mine this afternoon and then leave it overnight, covered, in the greenhouse. It wasnt overly salty and it was lovely and moist. I hope you enjoy your turkey and am sure you will continue to use this method. Have a great christmas xxx

ps I used Nigellas recipe x