Turkey Cooking

[OSD]

The holiday season is coming up fast. So, what's your favorite way to fix turkey and why. Here is a link to a thread with some great reference material for brining and smoking turkey.

http://www.texasbbqforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=146

[bowhnter]

I voted smoked cuz besides the oven haven't had it any other way.

After last year, family said that was the must way from now on, so, no pressure.

I will brine it, rub it, and place a cheese cloth soaked in butter over the skin.

[nascarchuck]

I have never personally cooked a turkey before, but this year I want to try to smoke one.

BTW, what is a good wood to smoke a turkey with? Any wood thats good with poultry?

[OSD]

Chuck, any mild flavor wood will work. I like fruit wood, apple,cherry, peach would be good. Also like pecan for turkey. JMHO
Check out the wood thread in the Pits section.

http://www.texasbbqforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=1346

[JamesB]

Smoked turkey is good, but my family much prefers fried turks... We smoke several turks during the holiday season for friends and such and we fry just as many.

For smoking wood, I don't think pecan can be beat!

Here is one smoked with pecan



James.

[ChileFarmer]

James, that is one good looking bird. Great color.
We have always baked ours in the oven. But of late, (3 -4 years) vendors that we buy from have given us smoked birds (Greenberg brand)
Just kinda a heat and serve thing. CF

[Allie]

We have never fried a turkey. In fact I've never even tasted fried turkey but have heard good reviews. I always roast it in the oven. Years ago, my dad smoked them for holidays and I loved them so I'm hoping we can do one this year. We did a turkey breast a while back in the smoker and it turned out great!

[Smoked]

I have never personally cooked a turkey before, but this year I want to try to smoke one.

BTW, what is a good wood to smoke a turkey with? Any wood thats good with poultry?

Chuck I like using Pecan.. I have used Hickory on occasion for a heavier smoke flavor

[Kalrog]

Fried for the past 4 years. The speed and taste are great!

Might try smoked this year if I can get that smoker in time and get comfortable with it in time.

[SteerCrazy]

Fried for the past 4 years. The speed and taste are great!

Might try smoked this year if I can get that smoker in time and get comfortable with it in time.

I 2nd that

[DaHorns]

Last year was the first time I had done a smoked turkey and it came out spectacular. I plan on doing a few this year for us and a couple neighbors. Good stuff!!!

[Papa Tom]

I love smoked turkey and mine have gone over well as a matter of fact I got an order for three today. However for Thanksgiving it has to be the traditional baked with dressing and mashed potatoes and gravy. Doesn't mean there won't be an additional smoked one on the side though.
I do the turkeys just like the chickens (technique posted elsewhere on this forum) but the cheap ones I do inject the breast with a butter mixture. I use oak like most everything else I smoke. Pick smaller ones to smoke up to maybe 12# or so they don't take so long that they dry out and get too dark.
I like to cure them too but with just my wife and I it doesn't happen too often cause I get the "it's still pink, it's not done" krap.

[TX Sandman]

James, that is a good lookin' bird! Great color there!

So far, the family prefers fried. Reasons are for the show cooking it, the speed, and the taste.

This year we're doing Turkeyfest the weekend before Thanksgiving. Basically, we get the family and friends together, have fun, and fry a boatload of turkeys (I think 14 is the record). Yes, I'll take pics for everybody

[dub']

Where do I click to vote for 'Pecan'?

[Papa Tom]

I went and bought a couple gallons of peanut oil today, I have a fryer that is still in the same packing it was in a year ago it's time to put it to work. In a couple weeks when the turkeys go on sale one is going to get the oil bath.
I have had fried turkey before but never done it myself.