Easter Sunday and the welcomed in-laws (final answer?)

Banker John

Well, the wife has me convinced that I should cook a 7-8 pound turkey breast on the egg for Easter Sunday. (of course, they are HER parents so the convincing was ... well convincing!)[p]Now comes the challenge. I have never cooked a turkey or a turkey breast. Not on the egg - not in an oven - never. Uh oh![p]At least I have a medium egg. Whew!!![p]Can someone now help with cooking temps, set ups, turkey temp at completion, marinade/brine/injection suggestions, etc.[p]I have the following to help: Medium Egg, wood chunks (cherry, apple, hickory & oak), plate setter, V Rack, pizza stone, extra grid with 4" bolt for a raised grid, polder & thermopen (lime green one)[p]How do I make it all work and come together. After the last dinner cooked on the egg for the in-laws, they think I actually know how to cook ( SUCKERS ). It's the egg; not me.[p]I appreciate your help, advice & suggestions all in advance.[p]Banker John

Car Wash Mike

<p />Banker John,
Keep it simple. This is only a 5lb. breast but I had onion and apples in the cavity.
No smoke in my opinion. The lump will give you enough. Poultry takes on a lot of smoke. I also do these the beer butt thing and have turned out great.
The V-Rack would work good.
I haven't done one for some time. 350 for about 2 hours?[p]CWM

Smokey

Banker John, just to dull the pain of the in-laws, I might also have a half-liter of Wild Turkey opened and ready to go. Trapeze artists do not work without a net....likewise, you should not invite over the in-laws without something to catch your arse in the event something slips. In all candor, skip the wood chips....the bird will get plenty of smoke from your MGE.

convert

Banker John, I have done three turkey breasts and all have turned out juicy,tender and full of flavor.. First the brine..[p]1 Gal water
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup honey
splash of wine vinegar or white vinegar
seasoning of your choice. Mine Lawrys perfect blend... Heat on the stove..Do not boil.. let cool and add turkey
Brine 24 hrs
rinse and dry then season with same seasoning you used in the brine.
Wood...Adler not to intense
cook @ 325 indirect with water in the drip pan to your desired poultry setting..Don't try to use the dripping for gravy...Abit too smokey..
you may want to go with less honey to avoid a burnt skin but I always take the skin off and enjoy the meat...Convert

The Naked Whiz

Banker John,
I've done turkey breasts with and without brining. If you have never brined anything before, it is simple to do if you follow a few simple instructions. You could brine the breast for 12 hours or so and make sure the brine is cold before you put the breast in. You don't want the breast sitting in warm water too long and encourage bacterial growth. If you haven't brined before and don't want to try something new on the in-laws, then don't worry about it. Your turkey breast will be most delicious even if you don't brine. [p]I usually keep it simple for turkey breasts. I use a little olive oil and Montreal Steak Seasoning. I use a little bit of smoke, I like more than the lump will provide, but not too much. If in doubt, less is better than more.[p]I cook indirect over a drip pan. Remember, when you are roasting something in the egg, the egg is an oven, so cook the same as you do in an oven when it comes to time/temp. Turkey usually goes at 325 for 15-20 minutes a pound. Use a thermometer and cook the breast until the internal temp is where you like it, probably 160 if you take the breast off and let it rest.[p]Good luck. I can taste that turkey breast now![p]TNW

Mac in NC

Banker John, I was asked to do the same and I have decided against turkey this year. Too much work and not enough mouths to eat all that meat. No leftovers this year..no sir. But, in order to satisfy the folks who have been so gracious to visit this weekend, I have opted to roast cornish game hens and serve them as individual "turkeys". (Joel, insert your cornish game hen picture here) Joel originally inspired me to cook these and they look great plated individually. Just a suggestion. Good luck on whatever you decide. Mac