1 (10-pound) turkey breast (bone in)2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 cups hot water
1 1/2 cups coarse salt
2 1/2 quarts cold water
2 tsps peppercorns
5 large bay leaves
3 large cloves garlic, halved
2 cups Chablis or other dry white wine
To bone turkey breast, place skin side down, on a work surface. Hold a small, very sharp knife parallel to the work surface and slide it under the small bones at the "tail-end" lobes of the breast. Slice outward, using a sawing motion and keeping knife next to the bones; lift off bones. Slice down and around breastbone, keeping as close to bone as possible. Pick up by the loosened bone to slice under breastbone next to turkey skin.
Combine brown sugar, hot water and salt in a very large mixing bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stir in next 4 ingredients. Submerge turkey breast in brine; cover and refrigerate overnight, turning occasionally.
Remove turkey from brine and rinse thoroughly with cold water; pat dry.
Discard brine solution.
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Prepare charcoal fire in smoker according to manufacturer's instructions. Let burn 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle about 2 cups soaked and drained wood chips over hot charcoal. Place water pan in smoker, and pour in wine. Add enough hot water to fill pan.
Place turkey breast on food rack, and cover with smoker lid; smoke about 3 hours and 45 minutes, refilling water pan with additional water, if needed. (Time may vary with outdoor temperature and individual smoker.) Let stand at least 15 minutes before carving; or cool to room temperature, wrap well and chill.
Yield: 20 servings.
NOTE:
Brining adds to the authenticity of the flavor but is not absolutely necessary.
The turkey is soaked overnight in a salt water solution that includes seasonings. If you choose to omit brining, season the turkey with salt, pepper, garlic and herbs.)
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