Anyone used Nigella's method of using brine to steep the turkey overnight?

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

I'm doing lunch this year and I quite fancy using this method.

Anyone done it and happy with the results?

It's not that cold in my kitchen and I'm a bit concerned about leaving it out at room temperature steeped in water.

Anyone?

[SwedishEdith]

We my partner did this a few years ago. He said he couldn't tell the difference, I think.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Edith the reviews are fab, all raving about how juicy the bird was, I also remember Mick in Gavin and Stacey doing it too, was very funny as he kept checking the bird in the bucket .

Might keep it in the fridge and just douse it in butter and oil.

[SwedishEdith]

I've just asked him - I'll let you know if he rated it.

[goodbyeyellowbrickroad]

I've done it a couple of times and thought it made the turkey more juicy than usual. I didn't have room to keep it in the fridge so left it outside but it was a lot colder than it is at the moment.

[catsrus]

I did it last year - I have to say I do think the bird was a lot juicier, def going to do it again this year!

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

catsrus where did you leave it to steep? My garage is heated too so it's not really cold in there.

I suppose it could go in the fridge.

[haggisaggis]

I've done it every year for about the past 8 or 9. Think kt definitely does make the bird more juicy. Also cooks more quickly. Although I use her recipe as a guide I don't bother adding all the ingredients.
I put ours in the garage -but have put it outside with something heavy put on top of the lid.

[OliviaMumsnet]

@SwedishEdith

We my partner did this a few years ago. He said he couldn't tell the difference, I think.

We left ours outside in a bucket with something over it.
Wasn't all that tbh.
[usual disclaimers apply]

[OliviaMumsnet]

And don't tell dh

[Womaloosh]

We did it last year. Not sure whose method...it was juicy, but tough.

[Womaloosh]

We did it last year. Not sure whose method...it was juicy, but tough...

[SwedishEdith]

Have you got a porch? They stay freezing.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Woma tough?

I don't want tough.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Swedish No porch but I do have an alleyway where I could put the bucket.

[Womaloosh]

It was tough, it may not be related to the brining. Seems like others have had good results though...

[SwedishEdith]

The boot of your car? That's useful as an extra fridge as well.

Anyway, partner has now confirmed that he didn't think it made much difference. But, still worth having a go to see.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Yes, the van!

Thanks Swedish, it can live there, it's always cold .

[SauvignonBlanche]

I've always left the turkey in the conservatory overnight on Christmas Eve but it so much warmer that usual this year, (I won't be faffing about with brine).

[LBOCS2]

Toughness can be down to the age of the bird. Male turkeys are slaughtered as soon as they get to weight, whereas female ones are often kept as breeding layers for a few months to replenish stock before they're killed. It means that the females are usually a bit tougher but have a more developed flavour - it's the payoff unfortunately.

Also: rest your meat. For 1/4 to 1/2 of the time it took to cook it. Frees up oven space that way as well