On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 21:43:23 -0500, "tranch" >
reported to us:

>
> Did my first pork shoulder the other day and it turned out just fine. So
>now I'm feeling like I can barbecue just about any thing and have decided to
>do a turkey I've had in the freezer for a while.
> I read the FAC and the author seems to make it sound like a turkey is
>some what difficult to do for a beginner like myself. Is it really that hard
>to barbecue a turkey or am I just getting the beginner jitters? Any tips
>will be greatly appreciated!!!

I find Turkeys easeir than shoulders! Brining the thing is trickier.

This is the best poultry brine out there, might as well start with the
best. Hound was a legend on this board, may God rest his soul. If
you like this brine, google his chili.

Hound's Citrus Brined Chicken

Prepare the brine:
1 gallon water
1 cup Kosher salt or 1/2 cup table salt
juice of 3 oranges
juice of three limes
juice of three lemons
rinds from same
1 sliced white onion
1 head of garlic, crushed
stems from a bunch of cilantro, chopped
serranos to taste, minimum of 4
rough ground cumin and coriander 2 Tbsp each
1/4 cup chili powder or any ground chile you prefer
(1/4 cup onion powder is optional)
(1/4cup garlic powder is optional)

Place the bird(s) and plenty of brine solution in a ziploc bag(s) and
leave refrigerated overnight prior to cooking. A cooler works fine
also.
I use a 5 gal beverage cooler for all but the biggest turkeys.
Frozen
soda bottles, or ice can be used to keep the cold. {8 lbs of ice= 1
gallon of water} An hour before cooking take the bird out and
thoroughly wash it down with cold water for at least 30 seconds. You
can place aromatics like garlic heads, apples, citrus in the cavity of
the bird for the cooking. I like also to place orange slices between
skin and meat. Smoke rear end of chicken toward the fire for 45
minutes/lb @ 225°F until the thigh is about 170°F. You can rotate as
necessary to avoid charring. Cooking this way will result in inedible
skin, but juicy chicken. If you like the crispy skin then place the
chicken near the firebox. This works for either chickens or turkeys.
If you eliminate the brine (salt and water) the rest of the recipe
makes
an excellent marinade for grilled chicken.


Wally

"No one has ever had an idea in a dress suit."
Sir Frederick G. Banting