Howdy from Iowa

[Cam]

Earth day in Des Moines is celebrated by putting anything not garage saleable onto the curb. Yesterday, picked up a Masterbuilt Electric Smokehouse (#20070211). I've had previous curbside smokers including the red Brinkman electric and a basic charcoal box both of which I used infrequently for a couple of years before re-donating back to the curb. Just cleaned the MES up and dug through the freezer and pulled some chicken thighs and polish sausage to give it a whirl. Everything seems to work AOK so hopefully try a turkey next week as we're having company. I'll peruse the forum to look for hints as I've never attempted anything so big (12.5 lbs). Happy to hear any essential tips.

... just did a quick search and looks like I might need to spatchcock the turkey. I was wondering why the picture of my smoker looked unhappy with my initial idea :)

 

[DougE]

Welcome from Kentucky, and definitely do spatchcock turkey. You get better smoke penetration and the white and dark meat will cook more evenly. If I'm cooking whole turkeys, or chickens, I always spatchcock.

 

[Cam]

Thanks. I've only spatchcocked once before, but I do remember that cutting out the backbone and splitting/cracking the breast bone as being oddly satisfying. I'd imagine that's the primitive side of brain encouraging my desire to smoke meat.

 

[DRKsmoking]

Welcome from Nova Scotia

Love the sad face in the smoker window, you will change that soon enough

David

 

[SmokinEdge]

Welcome from Colorado.

 

[bauchjw]

Welcome from Virginia! I’m an Iowa native though and my sister lives in Des Moines. Great place and meats!

 

[sandyut]

Welcome to SMF from Utah

 

[TNJAKE]

Welcome from Tennessee

 

[SmokinAl]

Welcome to SMF!
Glad to have you join us!
Al

 

[smokebuzz]

ANOTHER HAWKEYE!!!!! Welcome.