Test Turkey (My first turkey ever)

Brined for 2 days (I put it in the brine frozen because I didn’t have time to thaw lol)

Patted dry, put a bit of salt on the outside, let sit uncovered in refrigerator for 1 day

Injected with a concoction I made (1/2 stick of butter, 1 sprig of rosemary, 1 sprig of thyme, 4 garlic cloves – heated until the butter is melted and fragrant.. Then add 1/2 cup of chicken stock which adds flavor and cools it down before injecting). I injected every bit of this.

Cut the backbone out and spread the bird out flat on the smoker (225F). I put a pan with some stock in it below to catch drippings.

30 minutes later, brushed with butter that I melted with some thyme and rosemary.

30 minutes later, basted with drippings from the pan, raised temp to 325F

Continued basting every 35-40 minutes until about 140 internal, then raised temp again to 350. Pulled at 160 internal.

This thing was super juicy and delicious, with nice crispy skin. Best turkey I’ve ever had by miles. I had 4 people over to help eat it, and the 5 of use ate around 80% of that 16lb bird. Only have the wings, 1 leg, and 1 thigh left. I was planning to do 2 turkeys for Thursday – one smoked and one deep fried.. Everyone agreed that I’m going to need at least 3, and they should all be smoked.