A question about a recipe: Russ Parsons' Dry-Brined Turkey (a.k.a. The Judy Bird)

I have a question about step 4 on the recipe "Russ Parsons' Dry-Brined Turkey (a.k.a. The Judy Bird)" from Genius Recipes. It says:

"Place the turkey in a 2 1/2-gallon sealable plastic bag, press out the air and seal tightly. (If you can't find a resealable bag this big, you can use a turkey oven bag, but be prepared for it to leak.) Place the turkey breast-side up in the refrigerator. Chill for 3 days, turning it onto its breast for the last day. Rub the salt around once a day if you remember."

When it says to chill for 3 days do you mean a literal 72 hours? I am trying to decide when to start this method for a noon time Turkey day lunch. Thank you in advance! Happy Thanksgiving!

tltut
  • Posted by: tltut
  • November 21, 2011
  • 3850 views
  • 2 Comments
Russ Parsons' Dry-Brined Turkey (aka The Judy Bird)
Recipe question for: Russ Parsons' Dry-Brined Turkey (aka The Judy Bird)

2 Comments

Sadassa_Ulna
Sadassa_Ulna November 21, 2011
Audie Cornish interviewed James Oseland on Weekend Edition Sunday on NPR yesterday. He said " for at least eight hours or up to two days."
the link is http://www.npr.org/2011/11/20/142564035/foolproof-the-perfect-thanksgiving-turkey

Here is a funny quote:
OSELAND: Me, too. This method came to me by way of the Saveur contributor, Molly Stevens, who has a wonderful book out called "All About Roasting." It calls for dry salting the bird rather than brining it. All you do is you simply salt the turkey - kosher salt is best because it's going to melt very well. You want to rub it with a lot of freshly-ground pepper. I like a good coarse grind on my pepper. And then put it on a rack, put this turkey directly into the refrigerator uncovered for at least eight hours or up to two days. And as you check on it, you're going to be kind of alarmed. It's going to look like, oh my gosh, the turkey is drying out, it needs moisture, it needs covering, it needs a hug, it needs something. But, no, just keep it in there.
 
Kristen M.
Kristen M. November 21, 2011
The method is actually pretty flexible -- if you can get it brining now, do, but if you can't get it in until later today, that should be fine too. (It also depends somewhat on the size of the bird.)
 
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