Pardon my Turkey

Holiday Turkey Brine Recipe

I love this turkey brine recipe. It will make your turkey moist and delicious, so long as you don’t overcook it for a half an hour or more. I’ve been using it for four or five Thanksgivings now and I’m pretty sure it’s as perfect as I can get it:

1 gallon Water
8-16 ounces Brown Sugar (scale down for less sweet, up for sweeter).
1 cup Kosher Salt
10-15 each Juniper Berries
5-10 each Peppercorns
1 head Garlic, split horizontally
1 bunch Fresh Thyme
1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds (optional)
To taste Cajun Spices (only if you want it spicy)

Heat half the water to a boil; add the remaining ingredients and stir until the salt and sugar is completely dissolved. Then remove from the heat, allow the brine to cool slightly and add the remaining water to cool further. Mixing ice cubes into the second half of the water is a good way to cool it faster. Read more

Nacho Kung Fu: Journey of the PERFECT BITE

Legend has it that in search for infinite culinary wisdom, ultimate balance of chefing chi and absolute nirvana of all things yummy, one must complete the task of finding and consuming the PERFECT BITE. This of course is referring to the mystical nacho chip loaded with the perfect balance of cheesiness, creaminess, spiciness, saltiness, crispiness, and pungency - all at the same time. Yes, to achieve this ultimate culinary kung fu of deliciousness one must search far and wide¦ or considering recent gas prices, at least throughout the Providence area. Read more

Summer Coolers: Pimm’s Cup

It’s been a scorcher lately, best to stay in the shade and keep yourself refreshed. I recommend, my favorite Summer Cooler this year: a Pimm’s Cup. Pimm’s is a brand of alcoholic beverages, the most popular being the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, a gin-based beverage served either on ice or in cocktails. It has a dark tea color, with a reddish tint, and has a slight spice and citrus fruit taste. It was created in 1859 by the English oyster bar owner James Pimm. The recipe is still a secret, and only six people know exactly how it is made!

Pimm’s Cup is most common in England and is one of the staple drinks at Wimbledon and the Henley Royal Regatta, the other one being champagne. Give this recipe a try…
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