Juniper — Apple Cider Brine

Pungent juniper is a wonderful flavoring for venison and elk. Try this on sheep, bear, and javelina, too.

  • Combine all of the ingredients in a large container.

  • Brine the wild game of your choice for 12 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

  • Rinse meat to remove excess salt prior to cooking.

Apples, Onions, and Wild Game

Apples and onions are the basic fruit and vegetable recommended to stuff duck and goose “to absorb the wild flavor.” Actually, they do a great job flavoring the meat. So when you have a marinade or brine to make, use up that little bit of apple juice or apple cider that's sitting in your refrigerator. It will be delicious.

Yields about 5 quarts

4 quarts water

2 cups apple cider

1 cup kosher salt

½ cup sugar

12 peppercorns, crushed

12 juniper berries, crushed

12 whole cloves

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon ancho chile powder

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