Honey And Thyme-Brined Turkey Breast - cooking recipe

Ingredients

7 cups water, divided
3 tablespoons fresh ground black pepper, divided
6 fresh thyme sprigs
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups ice cubes
1 (6 lb) bone-in skinless turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Preparation

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons pepper, and 6 thyme sprigs; bring to a boil then remove from heat.
Pour mixture into a large bowl; cool to room temperature.
To the bowl: add 6 cups water, salt, honey, and sugar, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
Pour salt mixture into a 2-gallon heavy-duty zip-lock plastic bag.
Add ice and turkey; seal.
Refrigerate 24 hours, turning bag occasionally.
Remove turkey from bag; discard brine.
Pat turkey dry using paper towels.
Rub turkey with oil.
Mix together 1 tablespoon pepper and chopped thyme, rub over turkey.
Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F.
Place turkey on a roasting pan that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Bake for 1 hour or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion reads 180\u00b0F.
Place turkey on a platter.
Cover with foil and let stand 15 minutes.
If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs.