Brining a turkey is a simple process, but you need to start a day before you plan to cook. A whole turkey can take up to 24 hours to properly brine depending on the size so plan ahead. Brining makes the most of a turkey. It adds moisture to the meat and makes it more tender. Throw in some herbs and spices and you get a lot more flavor as well. All you really need to brine a turkey is the bird and some salt and water. Step one is determining how much water you need.

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The big Holiday Meals are a great time to show off our cooking abilities while still clinging to the traditional favorites. From the Deep Fried Turkey to slow roasted Ham to a rotisserie Goose these classics of the Holidays are food we seldom prepare but expect to get right every time. And this isn't limited to the Christmas Feast, because I know that everyone has their favorite, that one big holiday of the year that is their specialty, their best meal. Now I know that Thanksgiving is upon us in the U.S. and that typically means Turkey, but it isn't limited to that one bird. Every family has its traditional main course for the big holiday in your neighborhood. Anymore so much attention is paid to these single big events and I know that the truth is much more complicated than Food Network would like you to believe, so this weeks question is:

POLL: What's on the Menu this Holiday Season?
1) Turkey
2) Ham
3) Lamb
4) Fowl (goose, duck, etc.)
5) Prime Rib (or other large beef roasts)
6) Fish or Seafood
7) Barbecue (pork, brisket, ribs, etc.)
8) Other (Please Specify in the Comments)

Slow smoked or grilled to perfection. Learn how to cook your holiday goose the right way. The tradition of slow roasting goose over an open flame is older than Christmas.

Prime Rib (or more accurately Standing Rib Roast) is nearly the most expensive cut of beef you can buy so you want to master the secrets to make it right. Grilling or smoking prime rib is a great way to prepare this greatest of roasts. These prime rib recipes are perfect ways to make the most of your investment and to add the flavor of the grill or the smoker.