Thanksgiving Turkey 2014

fusionhq

I wrote up a nice thread, and they denied it because I had a link to naked whiz's site in it...so here's the short version.

I'm cooking a mad max turkey for thanksgiving.

Thanks!

fusionhq

fusionhq

My draft was saved on the computer, so here it is...lucky lucky..

Last week I ordered my turkey from Fresh Market.  I specified I wanted the largest bird they could get.  Their birds are vegetarian diet, no hormone, humanely raised..the whole "organic" deal.  Anyways, I went by yesterday to pick it up, and they had me a 24.25lbs turkey...pretty good size!!

This bird will be subject to the Mad Max recipe that can found on Naked Whiz's site.  I did a trial run a few weeks ago, and it was REALLY good, and everyone loved it; so here goes again!  The only thing varying from the recipe, is that I brine the bird.  So last night, I whipped up a aromatic brine, and threw the bird in the brine bag.  Luckily, I was able to get it in the fridge, so no messing with coolers and ice, etc. etc..  Here's the brine recipe I use...

Turkey Brine--

1 Gallon (4 liters) Water
1 Cup (225 Grams)  Kosher Salt
1/2 Cup (125 grams) Sugar
1 bunch of fresh Tarragon
1 bunch of Fresh Parsley
2 bay leaves
1 head of Garlic- Halved Horizontally
1 Onion- sliced
3tbsp black pepper- lightly crushed
2 lemons- Halved
Celery, Carrot, garlic, any other herbs

combine all brine ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve all salts and sugars. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temp. then put in fridge until chilled.

I will brine until Wednesday afternoon, and then move the bird to an uncovered roasting pan in the fridge for ~12 hours. 

Pictures of each step will follow!!



Here's a picture of the bird getting rinsed before the brine...




Here's the brine being brought up to temp.





Turkey in the Brine Bag (only way to fit and cover with brine!!)

mangasb

What's your plan for cook temp?

fusionhq

I plan to cook at 325-350 and imagine my cook time will be somewhere around 6.5-7.5 hours.

Mickey

Like your idea with the glasses.

fusionhq

@Mickey that bag had a HARD lean to it, and I was afraid of coming home to a huge mess, so I propped it up a little.

RedSkip

+1 Mickey

fusionhq

Out of the Brine and in the fridge uncovered until tomorrow morning.

fusionhq

Oops. Pic.

Shrek

Sorry, I am not following your time line (taste testing my wines right now  )

How long TOTAL will your bird be in the salt bath?

I just posted asking for help on ratios & bath time for my 28-pounder.

fusionhq

Mine spent about 40 hours.

fusionhq

The bird is in the egg. Egg at 325...now on to the important part.

johnmitchell

Awesome post so far..Following this one for sure..Keep it coming.. =D>

fusionhq

24.25lbs bird is a tight fit on XL with platesetter and grid.

johnmitchell

I am sure you have taken care with checking your dome thermo is clear of your bird..

fusionhq

Yes, also have the grid thermo going since I was already using the food probe on maverick

fusionhq

Basting every 20 minutes after the first hour. Going to tent with foil once the color is right. Meanwhile, working on a little maple bacon breakfast pie. In the oven of course, the egg is full.

fusionhq

Baste#1 at 1hr. Went ahead and wrapped the tips of the wings.

Gman2

Looking good!!

corb69

Looks good

Central_Bama_Egger

That's a big SOB. I bought some bud light clamato. Not a fan.

fusionhq

I was hesitant to believe it would fit without putting on or near platesetter, but it fits!!

Not a clams to fan either, but love me some bloodys.

fusionhq

At 2hr 15min my IT on breast is 115. Moving along nicely. Color is getting right.

fusionhq

3 hrs, IT 145!! Slow down!!!

fusionhq

I jus lowered my temp to 275 in hopes of this cook lasting until at least 1. Eating at 2!!

Legume

@fusionhq how long did you figure per pound?  I have a 21 lb brined, non-spatched bird not on yet (we eat later in the day) that I'm going to cook 325-350 and am second guessing the hell out of myself right now.

fusionhq

@legume I planned for 15-17 minutes per pound. Counted on 6.5-7.5hrs. At 3hrs, and after checking with my other thermometer, most of the breast is around 145.

Legume

so if you kept on at 325, maybe 4 hours tops?

Jeremiah

I don't know man. You might have to pull it off early.

Sistm

Holy turkey! Looks good.