Apologies in advance, I am very new to all of this.
So, this Thanksgiving I am smoking for the first time because I have access to a smoker for the first time. I have a 16lb turkey and a homemade propane tank smoker that I'm planning on using Mesquite wood in. My Situation is one I want advice on because I will be getting home from work around 0700, and the family wants the bird done by 1400 to 1600 So from starting the fire to pulling out the bird I will have between 7 to 9 hours.
The specific topics I am requesting advice on are as follows
The equipment I have that I think is relevant
So, this Thanksgiving I am smoking for the first time because I have access to a smoker for the first time. I have a 16lb turkey and a homemade propane tank smoker that I'm planning on using Mesquite wood in. My Situation is one I want advice on because I will be getting home from work around 0700, and the family wants the bird done by 1400 to 1600 So from starting the fire to pulling out the bird I will have between 7 to 9 hours.
The specific topics I am requesting advice on are as follows
- What I will need for the fire and how much of it? ( I have dried Mesquite wood on hand )
- Eg. Charcoal, how much mesquite I might need, and when to add it
- How to start the fire and how long this might take before I can start cooking?
- Are there certain ways the wood should be laid out in the firebox?
- What time and temp I should aim for to make sure it is cooked through as well as not dry like chalk?
- And other Information I just don't know to ask for.
The equipment I have that I think is relevant
- Propane Tank Smoker ( Pretty important right?)
- Turkey 16.5LB turkey ( Also Pretty important )
- Instant read probe thermometer with 4 leads.
- Turkey Pan
- Foil
- Brown butcher paper
- Mesquite wood
- Charcoal Chimney and Charcoal
- Patience and alcohol
- Ability to learn and know that I basically know nothing about this other than how to put the fire out. (I'm a Volunteer Firefighter)