Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 carrot, peeled, diced
• 1 large onion, peeled, diced
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 2 large sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

Instructions

1. Bring salt, sugar, and 4 cups water to a boil in a very large (16-quart) pot, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved.
2. Turn off heat. Add remaining ingredients to brine base. Refrigerate, uncovered, until cold.
3. Add 6 quarts cold water to pot. Add turkey. Place a plate on top of turkey to keep submerged. Cover; chill for up to 72 hours. (The turkey will be moister and more flavorful if allowed to brine the full 72 hours.)