Counselor Andrew Franklin describes himself as the turkey guy. He takes pride in all the work and effort that goes into making a meal for 20 of his guests.

“ I could do a show on Thanksgiving all about cooking,” Franklin said.

Year after year, the day after thanksgiving has been reserved for tree cutting in the Franklin family at a local tree farm.

“We bring a whole pile of people, have hot chocolate and chase eachother around the tree farm, go back home pet the dog and sit by the fire, it’s fun and you just gotta chill out,” Franklin said.

Things like the snow, holiday decorations and Christmas music all get him in the spirit Christmas.

“ It’s hard to explain the things that make the holidays what they are,” Franklin said.

A Franklin family tradition is the annual football game with some unexpected twists each year

“We have a family football game and somebody always get hurt, one time my nephew tackled his sister and they are older and she got wasted and we have it on video and one time my wife twisted her ankle it’s hysterical and crazy, it’s fun stuff,” Franklin said.

The Ultimate Turkey Brine Recipe: http://www.confectionalism.com/home/ultimate-turkey-brine-recipe/

Franklin uses this recipe; He also adds other ingredients of his own to make it even better or to change the taste from year to year.

The preserved lemons are the highlight here; the bright sunny flavor compliments the herbs and turkey beautifully. Makes the best turkey brine for you Thanksgiving day bird! This makes enough to brine 10 lbs of Turkey. (Multiply recipe for larger birds)

Ingredients: 

• 4 preserved lemons, halved
• 1 large bunch flat-leaf parsley 5 oz
• 1 bunch fresh thyme sprigs (1/2 ounce)
• 1 bunch fresh sage leaves (1/2 ounce)
• 11 fresh bay leaves
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoon minced garlic
• 1¾ cup kosher salt
• 2 gallons water/ or Apple Cider
• 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar (Franklin)
• 1 cup Cooking Sherry (Franklin)
• 2 Oranges Squeezed (Franklin)

Procedure: 

Step 1: Gather all of the ingredients

Step 2: Combine all the ingredients in a large stock pot, cover, and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Boil for 1½ minutes stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and salt.

Step 4: Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely. If it’s snowing outside, like it is here, place it outside with something heavy securing the lid. This will help it to cool in the cold outdoors, but the weighted lid will keep the critters out.

Step 5: Once cooled completely, be sure to chill it in the fridge or freezer until very cold, but not frozen. This brine can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated up to 4 days.

Step 6: To Brine Turkey- Place the brine in a container large enough to hold the brine and your turkey. Allow to Brine for 12 hours chilled in refrigerator, or continually iced. If your turkey floats to the surface of your brine, place a heavy pan lid on top of the turkey to keep it submerged.