So I gave turkey another shot. My last try (see Rubber Turkey thread) didn't go so well. It wasn't *bad* but it wasn't wonderful either.
This time I didn't brine or inject. I put some butter and spices under the skin (I tried Bells Turkey Seasoning...it was ok) and rubbed the whole thing down with more of the same. I kept it uncovered in the fridge overnight, and then let it sit out about 90 minutes to bring it to room temp before hitting the Traeger.
This time, I set the machine to the smoke setting, and let the bird absorb some tbs for 2 hourse. BTW the bird was about 15 lbs and I kept it on a rack in an aluminum pan to collect the juices.
After the two hours (Hickory pellets) I boosted the temp to 325 and let that boy go until it hit 163. At that point I brought the temp to 375 and let her crisp up a bit. At IT 165 I pulled her.
Well. Crispy golden brown skin. Juicy as all hell. Just really perfect! It was really good. Now I just have to convince the wifey to let me smoke the Thanksgiving bird!
I think Drying it out overnight in the fridge did the trick.
This time I didn't brine or inject. I put some butter and spices under the skin (I tried Bells Turkey Seasoning...it was ok) and rubbed the whole thing down with more of the same. I kept it uncovered in the fridge overnight, and then let it sit out about 90 minutes to bring it to room temp before hitting the Traeger.
This time, I set the machine to the smoke setting, and let the bird absorb some tbs for 2 hourse. BTW the bird was about 15 lbs and I kept it on a rack in an aluminum pan to collect the juices.
After the two hours (Hickory pellets) I boosted the temp to 325 and let that boy go until it hit 163. At that point I brought the temp to 375 and let her crisp up a bit. At IT 165 I pulled her.
Well. Crispy golden brown skin. Juicy as all hell. Just really perfect! It was really good. Now I just have to convince the wifey to let me smoke the Thanksgiving bird!
I think Drying it out overnight in the fridge did the trick.