Sunday's Turkey

grothe · Sep 23, 2008

I don't like turkey! I would much rather have a steak for Thanksgiving (the only time I eat it), but the family has to have the traditional bird.
After reading about smoking birds here on SMF, I figured I try one.

Bought a 12# turkey

Being that I could feel alot of water in the package, I did bother to brine. Instead I injected w/
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/2 tsp carlic powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

covered w/ evoo and rubbed w/ Tony CHacheres' Creole seasoning

Smoked at 300 degrees breast side down w/ hickory and sprayed w/ more of my injection every 30-45mins.

Pulled it out when the little plastic button pop out (thermo was just for reference).

Placed in an alum tray, covered w/ alum foil. and wrapped up w a moving blanket for an hour.
Hands down, the best tasting and juiciest turkey I've ever eaten!!

Now I'm gonna have to buy another smoker when I go to Florida for Thanksgiving to visit Mom & Sis and I'm cookin the bird!!!

If ya haven't done one yet....ya gotta try one!!!

smoking gun · Sep 23, 2008

Nice lookin bird Gene. How was the taste, kinda spicy? I love cajun turkey I may have to inject one and give it a try. You done good.....Real good. :)

ck311 · Sep 23, 2008

good looking bird there gene I have to agree with ya liking smoked turkeys that and deep frying them is the only way I like them

solar · Sep 23, 2008

Looks great Gene, nice job!! Where in Florida are you going to be, if you're close by you can borrow mine.

vlap · Sep 23, 2008

Good looking Turkey there!! Made me hungry

grothe · Sep 23, 2008

Thanks guys!!

Smoking gun - Forgot ta say that I also put some rub between the skin and breast. It wasn't real spicy....but I went kinda light w/ the rub. Boy it wasn't bland though either...nice and smokey too!!!

ck311 - My aunt wants me ta try deep frying one....think I'll prep the same way. That way I'll be able to judge the difference better.

Solar - I'll be in Safety Harbor. My 12 year-old nephew lives for ribs....If I borrow yours, I'm afraid he won't let ya have it back!!! LOL

Vlap - I couldn't believe how good turkey could be!

solar · Sep 23, 2008

Gene, Safety Harbor is only about 30 minutes away from me depending on traffic. You're more than welcome to borrow my smoker or my Weber kettle, I've done a few turkeys on the Weber and they came out great. Or you could come over the day before Thanksgiving, throw your turkey on the smoker and have a couple beers. Let me know.

I can tell you that a smoked turkey is as good or better than a deep fried turkey. The nice thing about deep frying is that it cooks quickly, but you end up with a lot of used oil you have to deal with, and peanut oil is pricey.

ezmoney · Sep 23, 2008

I'm getting about ready to smoke a "practice" bird for turkey day. I hope mine turns out as good as yours....Nice Work!!

brandsbay · Sep 23, 2008

Man thats a good looking Turkey

done a lot of chicken,maybe its time to try a Turkey.

cowgirl · Sep 23, 2008

Gene, that looks great!! Love the color too.

pineywoods · Sep 23, 2008

Looks great Gene

Kinda makes ya re-think the whole turkey is only for the holidays thing doesn't it

grothe · Sep 23, 2008

Thanks Solar...we'll be chattin !!

EZ - It was pretty easy....I think the breast down made a big difference.

Brands - Go for it...just a big chicken LOL

cowgirl - I was amazed at how well it turned out!!!

Piney - Usually I have ta have a sauce dish full of horseraddish to smother on turkey. Now I'd think nothing of eatin more poultry!! Good stuff smoked!!

cthomp · Sep 23, 2008

That looks tastey. I'm smokin a bird for turkey day this year too. Probably gonna go the creole route as well.

yum

richoso1 · Sep 23, 2008

Great lookin' Q, that's one pretty big bird.

shellbellc · Sep 23, 2008

Looks great!!! Anyway you could cook it at home and take it as a carry on? You could just reheat it down there. You wouldn't have to take it whole, you could slice it at home and take it that way.

grothe · Sep 23, 2008

LOL!!! How long do ya think it would take to eat it....3 hr flight?? could just see myself walkin off w/ empty container!!

1894 · Sep 23, 2008

Great bird right there

solar · Sep 23, 2008

Good luck getting that through airport security.

butcherfamily · Sep 23, 2008

Gene, if you are really planning on smoking a turkey or meal for that trip, I am in Safety Harbor too. We could easily work something out.

You said you like Horseradish. try this:

One heavily smoked turkey breast chop or dice (depending on texture preference) in a food processor, then add one stick of celery, about 1/4 vidalia onion (dice in processor), then add half horseradish and half light mayo to get the right chicken salad-like consistency. a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Then if you like fennel seed (I love it), add a teaspoon.

Serve on crackers with a nice HR cheese or on a sandwich.

We love this recipe. Make it a lot.

grothe · Sep 24, 2008

Thanks for the offer!!
Oh....I got leftovers.....Tryin that....Sounds like my kinda tv munchies....will be makin that this week!!!

Thanks...& yes - I Love horseradish!!!

Sunday's Turkey

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