Smokeclub (Nick from NYC) had a great suggestion, so here it is! This sticky will be a place for everyone to post their own suggestions for smoking turkey, and a consolidated point of reference to our own recipes/techniques/etc. No need to post whole recipes here, just point us to your other threads on the subject.
This can also be a place, for those new to smoking turkeys, to ask questions. Hopefully, the experienced turkey smokers will be able to get them pointed in the right direction!
I'll start off with 1 of my turkey smokes:
Post-Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey
One note, about this recipe: I now only use 250 as the box temp for turkey. Going higher only serves to shrink and break the skin, making it look terrible.
Let's make this "One-Stop Shopping" for turkey!
Thanks Divot! And beautiful pictures Greg!
Some things turkey newbies (especially those responsible for putting the turkey on the table for a big gathering this year!) I think would be great to know:
1. What accessories/gear would be a good idea to get for our first turkey smoke?
2. Is there a rule of thumb we should use for smoking time- is it purely time per lb of bird? Do we need to build in oven or resting time before serving? Want to plan out the cooking schedule and definitely don't want to keep the folks waiting at the table while hovering over the smoker yelling "Just a little longer!"
(Divot: 13H brine, 4H chill in fridge + about 4 @ 275 = about 21H total)3. What kinds of bird would you recommend? Fancy heritage vs. butterball vs wild? Brine or no brine? Marinade?
(Soy from Greg's link worked great). Fresh or frozen? Does it make a difference?
4. Any options for 'crispy skin' once you take it out of the smoker?
5. Stuffing? Should stuffing be cooked inside or outside the bird? What works well and what doesn't?
Divot: stuffed with onions, celery, carrot, Olive Oil + McCormick's6. Temps, preferred wood?
(Divot: 250, 3 oz Cherry for a 14 lb)7. Bird location in the smoker (top, bottom, middle?) and should we be flipping or turning around at some point?
Sorry for all the detailed questions but I have a feeling I'm not the only one with a first Thanksgiving with a smoked turkey request... tons of information on the boards but scattered here and there.
If you have other thanksgiving related ideas (planning schedule, recommended sides to smoke with the bird, etc.) please share!