Turkey

[Fatneck]

I am new to the Bradley Family.  I am having 17 family members over on Saturday and I have 2-11 lb. Turkeys and 1-3.5 lb boneless breast.  One has an 8 percent solution in it.  My question is can I brine the turkey with solution?  Also, I also want to know the time of cooking, smoking time and temperature for the 2 turkeys.  I need help to look like a pro on my 1st attempt at a turkey.  Thanks to all who can help.

Fatneck

[TomsRods]

I smoked two 13 pound turkey's last year but did not have my bradley back then.  I will be doing one on the 24th this year.  Last year I used similar turkey's as you described but did not use a brine, I just did an injection under the skin and rubbed some spices on the turkey.  On my charcoal smoker it took about 8 hours for both turkey's but I don't have great temp control with that setup.  They tasted delicious - I look forward to comparing to this years...

This year I am going to try a brine solution for my 15lb turkey and use the bradley, I am planning on the turkey taking around 8 to 10 hours.. but who knows I'll just adjust temps accordingly.

good luck and have fun - welcome.... ;D

[Habanero Smoker]

Hi Fatneck,

Welcome to the forum.

The turkey that has an 8% solution, if it has a sodium additive or some chemical you cannot pronounce in it then there will be no benefit in brining it. If the solution is only water that has been inject, then you can go ahead and brine it.

I don't give total cooking times, but I only apply 2-3 hours of smoke and generally use either maple or apple. Make sure you leave you vent about 3/4 open to allow the moisture to escape. You may be able to close the vent a little after 3 or 4 hours.