Well not really. I just wanted some smoked turkey and wasn't about to wait until Thanksgiving! Its that time of year where you can get cheap birds. First sale was Butterball's for $.99lb. Sign me up. Grabbed one and quick thawed in ice water over night in a 5 gallon bucket.
Seeing as this was a last minute decision I didn't have time to brine as I normally would. Roll with it. Spatched the bird out, pats of Kerrygold butter under the skin on the breasts with rub and then coated the outside in No salt Tony's.
Rolling 275-300ish with hickory chunks. Progress picture.
Bout 3 1/2 hours later I hit 165 in the breast. Bingo. Just the color I was looking for as well.
While the turkey was smoking I threw together some sides. Broccoli Cheese casserole I kind of made up and of course the stove top stuffing. Not pictured is the mashed potatoes and gravy. Also deviled eggs brought by my wife's grandmother.
Plated shot. Forgot to take a pic after I put gravy on stuff.
Cant forget about desert. Made a caramel apple pie. I am not much of a baker so this was my best attempt.
Served warm with some vanilla ice cream.
This honestly was one of the best turkeys I have done. Wife says it was the best. It was very juicy and flavorful even without a brine or injection. The sides brought it all together and everyone left full and happy. Thanks for checking it out. Only a couple more weeks and we will be seeing turkey galore. Everyone enjoy and stay safe out there.
John
Seeing as this was a last minute decision I didn't have time to brine as I normally would. Roll with it. Spatched the bird out, pats of Kerrygold butter under the skin on the breasts with rub and then coated the outside in No salt Tony's.
Rolling 275-300ish with hickory chunks. Progress picture.
Bout 3 1/2 hours later I hit 165 in the breast. Bingo. Just the color I was looking for as well.
While the turkey was smoking I threw together some sides. Broccoli Cheese casserole I kind of made up and of course the stove top stuffing. Not pictured is the mashed potatoes and gravy. Also deviled eggs brought by my wife's grandmother.
Plated shot. Forgot to take a pic after I put gravy on stuff.
Cant forget about desert. Made a caramel apple pie. I am not much of a baker so this was my best attempt.
Served warm with some vanilla ice cream.
This honestly was one of the best turkeys I have done. Wife says it was the best. It was very juicy and flavorful even without a brine or injection. The sides brought it all together and everyone left full and happy. Thanks for checking it out. Only a couple more weeks and we will be seeing turkey galore. Everyone enjoy and stay safe out there.
John