Brined Turkey Breast makes use of a simple salt and sugar brine and results in succulent white meat.
Food is love. That’s all there is to it. And behind the food and the love, there’s always a story. Sometimes the story is remarkable, sometimes it goes unnoticed. But, it’s always there. The magnitude and reach of the story has no correlation with the grandeur of the meal. The goodness of a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich can easily outweigh the glory and ceremony of a banquet feast. It all depends on the circumstances. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich carefully crafted by a loving anxious mother for her kindergarten student on the first day of school moves the goodness meter much more than a feast prepared for the sole purpose of impressing someone. With each smear of the peanut butter, the mother thinks about the milestone ahead of both she and her student. She wants to make lunch something she knows her sweet baby child will enjoy and, at the same time, remind them of home and comfort and love. And Mama. There’s nothing sweeter in this world than a Mama doing all she can to help her child cope with life and adjust to changes.
I had the chance this week to participate in an event that was certainly on a simple scale. Despite the simplicity, it wrapped around my brain and kept rattling. And the stories. Oh, the stories. Granted, the stories were all imagined by my little brain as it was being rattle. But the images never dulled. In fact, they remained bright and seering.
We have a residential program for troubled young girls in our community supported by several faith-based and community organizations, our church being one of them. As a means of support, our church provides a dinner meal once a week. I was on this week’s team and elected to provide the entrée for 30. Thirty isn’t a large number except when it’s put in the context of girls in our community that are so troubled their parents felt no option but to send them to this one year residential program. While my giving side was more than happy to help, my Mama side was drowning in anguish as I prepared the meal. Sam and I are blessed beyond measure that we never had to face such decision. But there are 30 Mamas and Daddys who live right here in our small community who weren’t so lucky.
As I carved the turkey that would become part of their dinner, I wondered about each one of those thirty girls.
They were all newborns at one time and were innocent and completely dependent on their Mama for their very existence. Their heads got sniffed and their necks got snuggled. They were dressed in their onesies that remained too big for the next few weeks.
They were all two months old and delighted someone with their first purposeful smile and the musical sounds of coos and gurgles.
They were all one year old and teetered and tottered as they took their first steps. Someone clapped and snapped lots of pictures to capture that spectacular moment.
They were all five years old at one time. They all started kindergarten and they all got excited about their new school clothes and school supplies.
They were all just like my children and your children. Somehow, they got really off track.
As their parents made the painful decision to admit them to this program, knowing they’d have limited contact for a year, I have to believe the parents relived the scenes I just described. How can such beautiful memories become so painful? My heart breaks as much for the parents as it does for the girls.
My prayer is that these young women realize they’re surrounded by people who care about them, love them, cherish them and wish them well. I hope the power of love and the goodness of people comes through to them in some way each time they eat a meal that’s prepared with them in mind. Food is love.
Amen.
I hope you give this Brined Turkey Breast a try. If you’re more inclined toward using your smoker, check out this recipe for Smoked Turkey Breast.
Brined Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- Brined Turkey Breast
- yield: 12 to 14 servings
- There's no sense in waiting until Thanksgiving to serve turkey. Turkey breasts are readily accessible all year long. By cooking just the breast you get the good flavor of turkey yet the amount of turkey is little enough that you don't have to have turkey leftovers for the next month. The white meat is not as juicy as the dark and requires brining to ensure that's is not so dry you can't swallow it once it cooked. Brining is an easy process but does require some planning since the bird needs to be brined overnight.
- For brine:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt do not substitute table salt which is much too salty
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 turkey breast approx. 6 pounds
- Mix salt and sugar in warm water until completely dissolved. After the water has cooled completely pour over turkey breast and store in refrigerator overnight making sure the turkey is completely covered with the brining liquid. The next morning, rinse and pat dry.
- For roasting:
- 1 turkey breast that has been brined rinsed and dried
- 3 to 4 carrots washed and cut in large pieces
- 3 to 4 stalks celery washed and cut in pieces
- 2 large onions peeled and quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup water or stock
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place turkey on top of vegetables in the roasting pan. Add water or stock.
- Roast in a 325 degree oven, basting occasionally, until the thickest part of the breast cooks to an internal temperature of 165 degrees which is take approximately 2 hours. Remove from oven, tent with foil for 30 minutes before carving.
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Jean says
Jackie you are to be commended for taking on this task. Even tho these girls took the wrong track they did choose to keep their baby and not abort them. That speaks volumes. I wish for all of them happiness and a wonderful life.
Turkey breast that has been in a brine is 10 times better than not doing it. I woulda helped you eat it!
Jackie Garvin says
Jean,
These girls aren’t necessarily young mothers. Some might be. It’s so sad when people so young have made so many unfortunate decisions. I hope they get the counseling they need to be able to restore their lives to normal and be reunited with their families.
Jean says
Whatever their age…it has to be hard.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
There will be some who don’t appreciate your kindness but so many will never forget it.
I love a brined turkey breast. It’s great for so many recipes and sandwiches.
Jackie Garvin says
Maureen,
Thanks for your kind words! We were meant to be kind and good. I truly believe that.
Turkey meat is something worth having around all the time. You never run out of things to do with it.
Hope says
Food made with love – nothing nicer!
Jackie Garvin says
I agree with you, Hope! I trust all is well in Fairhope!
Mary ann says
It is wonderful to reach out and care for those who need the extra hug in their lives. And turkey is a wonderful idea too, may it help these young woman think of happy holidays and going home to loving arms.
Jackie Garvin says
What a pleasant thought, Mary Ann. Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂
Food Stories says
What a great Food Story you have here … I’m nominating you for my Food Stories Award. I know some bloggers don’t participate in blog awards but I hope you’ll at least check it out because mine is unique in the fact that it is only given to food sites and all the nominees are in the running for the monthly award and prize. If you’re interested, you can check out the details at my site, FoodStoriesBlog dot com and then click on “Food Stories Award” up in the top navigation bar … Either way, love your site and I hope you’re having a great foodie day!
Jackie Garvin says
What an honor! Thank you so much for your kind generosity. 🙂
Food Stories says
You’re welcome … I love a great Food Story 🙂
Mary says
What a heartwarming and special story. You are such a gifted and special person, gifted by God with a big heart and compassion! God has touched and blessed many thru you, and He is not finished. Thank you! The turkey breast sounds delicious….never think to make it except Thanksgiving .Will definitely change that!!!!!!! Have a great week.
Jackie Garvin says
Mary,
I am the one is so blessed. It’s my duty and responsibility to share my good blessings and gift of grace. 🙂
Joyce says
Love your stories Jackie. You are a very kind and caring person.
Jackie Garvin says
Joyce,
Thank you so much! It’s important to do as much good as you can as often as you can. 🙂
Terra Baltosiewich (@CafeTerraBlog) says
You are beautiful!!! What a wonderful story my friend, and they are so blessed to have you share such a lovely dish! Thank you for sharing, Hugs, Terra
Jackie Garvin says
Thanks, Terra!
Sharon Gibson says
Jackie, I love your stories…sometimes they are hard to read thru the tears,(like this one) or because we’re giggling, but always delightful, because they stir up memories that are precious!! Carry on, dear Lady, and we will be right there with ya!! Sharon Gibson
Jackie Garvin says
Thank you, Sharon! 🙂
Jo says
Thank you for sharing your stories with your recipes. I’ve been blessed tonight in reading them.
Jackie Garvin says
Jo,
God love your heart. Thank you so much for that sweet comment. Don’t be a stranger!