Brine Concoction, wierd mix but tastes great

sprinter

Hey all,[p]This will catch a lot of you on the way to eggfest, hope ya'll have a GREAT time. This is the plan for one egger who is staying home (unfortunately).[p]I made a brine last evening that is quite an odd mix of stuff but turned out GREAT. It was about a handful of fresh cilantro (1 1 1/2 cups), a half a cup of kosher salt, three big tablespoons of minced garlic, about a third cup of blackstrap molasses, and a tablespoon of juniper berries. All of this was boiled and cooled and then mixed with another half galon of col water and placed on 8 chicken leg quarters. I plan on cooking them this weekend whilst yooos guys are at eggfest. The brine has a great flavor and I think it will go great with the chicken.[p]Have a great time at eggfest, I'm sure if the wind is right I'll be able to smell those 1 BGE's cooking some of the most delicious fare imaginable.[p]Troy

Nature Boy

sprinter,
Thanks. I have a couple of chops I was thinking of brining today for dinner. I was thinking of using garlic and corriander seeds, but your juniper berry idea has me thinkin!! The molasses will also be a neat addition. [p]Didja crush the juniper berries first??
Thanks
NB

sprinter

Nature Boy,[p]Yeppers, crushed 'em up good. A tablespoon may be a bit much, will probably cut back next time, if there is a next time for this brine. Do you ever use them whole? not sure how much flavor they would impart. BTW, rather than use Juniper Berries, how about using Gin? Ever tried it as a replacement? Gin is made with Juniper Berries (pretty certain anyway). Just a quick brain fart but interesting idea.[p]Troy

Nature Boy

sprinter,
You are right. Juniper Berries are the main flavoring in gin, and I have heard gin used in marinades. The only time I have used juniper berries are when I do Cat's ribs. Probably be good with chops as well. Wonder how they would go with lemongrass??[p]NB

BluesnBBQ

Nature Boy,[p]Forget lemongrass - I wonder how they'd go with squid?

bdavidson

BluesnBBQ,
I have a feeling we'll find out soon enough!