This is so good, I’m not waiting until next Thanksgiving to do it again!

I’m not a real big turkey eater. It’s not that I don’t like turkey because I do. It’s a nice protein with a very unique flavor. I love smoked turkey legs at the fair and always get one. Insofar as cooking turkey, I make it once a year for Thanksgiving because it’s traditional. There is always leftover turkey that lasts for days and days and days. I eat more than my fair share of turkey in 1 week so I’m turkey satisfied and never want any more turkey until the following Thanksgiving. When all of the children were home, we would roast a 22 – 24 pound turkey with all of the fixins. It would last around a week and everyone would be tired of turkey. I’ve made turkey in so many different ways it’s amazing.  In fact, I’ve lost count. This year, however, I tried a different brine and smoked a 10 pound turkey (It was either 10 lbs or 16+ lbs because they had nothing between 12 – 14 lbs). I have brined and smoked turkeys in the past and like them but this brine coupled with the pecan smoke was simply unbelievably delicious! It was sweet, savory and smokey, absolutely amazing. If you have a smoker, you have to try this dish. If you don’t have a smoker, go buy one because you have to try this dish. While this brined turkey would be very good roasted without being smoked, the smoke sets this bird apart from all others. It is simply over-the-top! But don’t trust me, try it for yourself. YOU WILL LIKE IT!!!

Ingredients

• 1 All-natural Turkey (12 – 14 pounds), without additives, broth, or other injected tenderizers or “seasonings.” Pre-basted turkeys like Butterball are completely out of the question. All-natural turkeys have been minimally processed and have no added ingredients. Under FDA labeling requirements, the label will say so.

For the Brine

• 2-1/2 gallons water
• 2 cups pure maple syrup
• 9 oz. sea salt
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1 head garlic cloves (10-12), smashed
• 1 cup fresh sage
• 1 cup fresh thyme
• 1 cup fresh Italian parsley
• 1/2 cup fresh oregano
• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp crushed white peppercorns

For the Rub

• 2 sticks softened butter
• 5 – 6 sage leaves
• 1 Tbsp thyme

Instruction

For the Rub

Put softened butter and herbs in food processor and process. Refrigerate until ready to use. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to use to allow butter to soften.

For the Brine

Add everything to a large pot and bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Place turkey in a brining bag, cover with brine and place in a large bowl to ensure it doesn’t leak.

When cooled, place turkey in the refrigerator and allow to brine 24 hours.

For the Turkey

Remove from refrigerator after 24 hours and discard brine. Pat turkey dry, place back in refrigerator, uncovered overnight or another 24 hours. This is one way to help you get crisp skin.

When you are ready to smoke the turkey, remove it from the refrigerator. Starting with the breast and working your way back to the wings, place your hand underneath the skin and on top of the flesh and carefully separate the skin from the meat. This is going to do 2 things. First, you are going to apply the rub between the skin and the meat. If you apply the rub to the skin you will simply flavor the skin. Second, this is another method to ensure you get crisp skin.

Once you have loosened the skin, liberally apply the rub under the skin and on top of the meat. Any excess rub spread directly on top of the skin and truss turkey.

Return Turkey to tub. Cover with cheesecloth and drench cheesecloth with melted butter (3 sticks).

The melted butter helps crisp the skin while also keeping the meat moist during smoking. The cheese cloth help keep the skin from becoming too brown. Keep cheesecloth on turkey until the last 45 – 60 minutes of smoking.

Place the turkey in your smoker preheated to 275 – 300 F. If you smoke at a lower temperature, you will have a smokier turkey but the skin will be rubbery, not crisp. Smoke the turkey at 275 – 300 F for 15 – 18 minutes per pound, until the turkey registers 165 F on a meat thermometer in the thigh of the turkey.

Remove turkey from smoker and let rest for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Serve and enjoy!