After reading BP's Turkey Tips (a zillion times) and everyone else's posts, I decided to do the turkey on the traeger. Here's what I know worked:
Smaller bird - 13 lbs was perfect call.
275 degrees - what a great temp.
No stuffing in the bird - sure made it easy.
Let it rest - wow, what a difference that made.
BP's school of carving - again, this made a big difference.
I essentially put the bird in and didn't look at it for 3 1/2 hours. Easiest Thanksgiving dinner I've ever made.
What would I do different - probably a heavier smoke. I used maple, looking for just a hint of smoke. Might even go back to mesquite.
All in all this was the best turkey I've ever cooked. My family loved it. Thank you all for sharing your ideas and experiences with us rookie smokers.
tbone
Smaller bird - 13 lbs was perfect call.
275 degrees - what a great temp.
No stuffing in the bird - sure made it easy.
Let it rest - wow, what a difference that made.
BP's school of carving - again, this made a big difference.
I essentially put the bird in and didn't look at it for 3 1/2 hours. Easiest Thanksgiving dinner I've ever made.
What would I do different - probably a heavier smoke. I used maple, looking for just a hint of smoke. Might even go back to mesquite.
All in all this was the best turkey I've ever cooked. My family loved it. Thank you all for sharing your ideas and experiences with us rookie smokers.
tbone