I like to smoke my turkey as well but it takes thousands of those little papers and keeping it lit is a total bear...
That being said, I will be preparing all the delectable goodness for Thanksgiving. I made the pumpkin cheesecakes tonight, including a gf cheesecake for the wifey. I have the turkey soaking in a brine of allspice, crushed peppercorns, sugar, & salt. Decided I would drink the Guinness this year.
Made the rub for the turkey...will be smoked with hickory chips this year. I used mesquite last year, but I did not care for the flavor on turkey. This year's rub consists of:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sage, dried
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns, crushed finely
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, dried & crushed
The rub has a pretty good flavor to it but next time probably a little less garlic & onion powder, and more sage and allspice possibly...depends on what the brine does to the finished product. Maybe I will put some fresh sage in with the smoker...hmmmm...anyhoo...
I will be getting up early to make quiche & monkey-bread for breakfast.
The rest of the day will be spent smoking the turkey on the grill & making the rest of dinner, which will be mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, an apple-onion gravy for the turkey, & cranberry sauce. Possibly corn also. Hope to start the turkey around 10:30 am to finish about 4:30.
By the way, I heard on the radio today, the average calorie consumption at Thanksgiving Dinner...4500 calories. You are welcome.