First time smoking a whole turkey. Pretty pleased with the results!
I decided on a dry brine on a 12 pound turkey. Once it was almost thawed, I took out the giblets, etc. and coated the inside and outside with sea salt and a full packet of McCormick's Tomato Garlic Basil marinade. I let it sit in the fridge for three days.
3pm: I cranked up the MES30 to 250 and filled the drip pan about 2/3 full of water.
4pm: Loaded the turkey, breasts up, and added apple chips. I probed the breast closest to the door.
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...B-4633-9E6E-CC1C8339B4A9_zpsjf2tiycx.jpg.html
7pm: IT was at 139. Added another tray of Apple chips. (I know, I need an AMNPS)
9pm: I was surprised that the IT was already up to 170! I wrapped it in foil, put it in a cooler, and let it rest.
11pm: Carved her up. Very happy with the skin and how juicy it was. The dry brine worked its way through the bird as well. Great flavor throughout.
Thanks for reading.
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...B-4E10-A2D6-2E402993DA38_zpsctw5wxjv.jpg.html
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...F-476C-9C6F-70FFE9C3CF7E_zpsjgitztvv.jpg.html
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...A-4D0F-90E1-C4862FECB5D7_zpsd0htlicc.jpg.html
I decided on a dry brine on a 12 pound turkey. Once it was almost thawed, I took out the giblets, etc. and coated the inside and outside with sea salt and a full packet of McCormick's Tomato Garlic Basil marinade. I let it sit in the fridge for three days.
3pm: I cranked up the MES30 to 250 and filled the drip pan about 2/3 full of water.
4pm: Loaded the turkey, breasts up, and added apple chips. I probed the breast closest to the door.
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...B-4633-9E6E-CC1C8339B4A9_zpsjf2tiycx.jpg.html
7pm: IT was at 139. Added another tray of Apple chips. (I know, I need an AMNPS)
9pm: I was surprised that the IT was already up to 170! I wrapped it in foil, put it in a cooler, and let it rest.
11pm: Carved her up. Very happy with the skin and how juicy it was. The dry brine worked its way through the bird as well. Great flavor throughout.
Thanks for reading.
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...B-4E10-A2D6-2E402993DA38_zpsctw5wxjv.jpg.html
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...F-476C-9C6F-70FFE9C3CF7E_zpsjgitztvv.jpg.html
http://s15.photobucket.com/user/6sp...A-4D0F-90E1-C4862FECB5D7_zpsd0htlicc.jpg.html