Thanksgiving prep: Where do you thaw and brine your turkey?

[Wayne]

I too always buy a premium turkey that has already been brined. Butterball's for example have already been brined. I usually do not buy Butterball but I do not remember the brand name. I just recognize the package. I usually thaw it in a sink of cold water for about 6 to 8 hours. If I have the room I will thaw it in the frig for a day or so.

[Betterman]

I'll thaw the turkey in my cooler if we're doin a frozen one. just plop it in a garbage sack and fill er with brine. instead of thawing and brining in seperate steps. cause it sits in the salt for so long i usually dial back the salt a little bit from whatever brine recepie i'm using so as not to over do it. i'll check the temp a few times a day, but when it starts to get close to 35 or so i'll add a frozen 2 liter outside the garbage sack to keep things stable for the last bit of thawing. takes about 3-4 days with a 20lb bird or so. if its not near the holiday season you can just thaw and brine in the fridge to be really safe but i never seem to have the fridge space when i need it.

[Sylvie]

I use one of those large orange colored Igloo coolers made for dispensing drinking water. I place a large kitchen trashbag as a liner inside and add brine plus ice to keep it cold.