For the first time I need to brine 12 chickens so my pot and fridge don't fit.
I'll use a cooler and keep it in the garage overnight.
If I add two bags of ice, how does that change the brine ratios? I expect the ice to melt and dilute the brine. Is this an issue? Do I make a regular brine (1gallon 1 cup salt 1 cup brown sugar) or cut back the ratios?
Thanks all,
Rich
water weights 8.33lbs per gallon - frozen or not.
for a 2 gallon brine I use 1 gallon water and 8-9lbs of ice.
You win the "smart guy" award! Thanks!
If your cooler is large enough, you may be better off using a full strength brine and use sealed bags of ice to keep your brine cool. When I brine in a cooler, I cool the brine down first, then place ice in sealable plastic bags and throw them in on top of the meat.
Quote from: Smokeville on September 26, 2010, 11:29:38 AM
You win the "smart guy" award! Thanks!
Ask anyone with an RV - they will tell you how much water weighs!
Well, I bought two bags of ice and made up the brine. Took 3 gallons to cover all the chickens. They sat outside and there was still ice in the cooler -- nearly froze my fingers grabbing them out. I rinsed them off, dusted them with Adobo and they are in the smoker now.
I didn't want to take a chance of them being too salty so I made the brine just slightly more than regular strength.
They will be out of the smoker in a few hours. I'm also doing leg quarters -- a total of 46 pounds of chicken. Both smokers, all racks in use.
Rich
Quote from: FLBentRider on September 26, 2010, 10:53:07 AM
water weights 8.33lbs per gallon - frozen or not.
Unless you live in Canada where a gallon weighs 10lbs ;).