While I could have bought a frozen turkey as low as 39¢/lb, I decided to get a fresh, natural, no hormone, no solution turkey this year from Blackman Homestead Farm up in Niagara County, where we go apple picking every Fall. It’s a 14.73 lb turkey and at $2.50/lb ($36.82), I don’t want to screw it up. I plan to hot smoke it (325-350º) with apple and cherry for smoke and I’m leaning toward either Keri C's Apple Juice Brine or Bryan S’ apple/honey brine. I’m thinking 24 to 36 hours in the brine with a 24-hour dry cycle in the fridge. With either of these brines/methods, is there anything else I should do/watch for?

TIA,

Bill

Bill,

I think you've got it covered. The flavored brine takes a little longer so 36 hours ought to be plenty. Watch your salt level; don't go overboard since the bird will be in the brine for an extended period. And as you're aware, make sure you rinse well before drying. Sounds like the makings of a wonderful bird; all natural with apple and cherry wood...yum!

Paul

Well, I went with Bryan's recipe and upped it by 25% nd it's barely enough. I think I might pour the brine in the bag that the turkey came in and put that in the brinning bucket so it's not crammed in there. 2 days and counting!

Bill

Turned out GREAT!

Bill

awesome Bill. I love Blackman, they are really embracing the slow food movement and working with local producers. My buddy was up there a month or so ago and they had a garlic grower there selling his products.

what did you think of the bird? We had one last year, and while it was good, I wasn't sure it was that much better than a fresh one at wegs. I wish he didn't waste his time with the broad breasted whites and did something with a heritage breed.

btw, I went a bit crazy with my bird this year, see the post "deconstructed turkey" if you're interested.

Bill, nice bird, real nice. Great job there Bud.

Thanks guys!

quote:

Originally posted by j biesinger:
awesome Bill. I love Blackman, they are really embracing the slow food movement and working with local producers. My buddy was up there a month or so ago and they had a garlic grower there selling his products.

what did you think of the bird? We had one last year, and while it was good, I wasn't sure it was that much better than a fresh one at wegs. I wish he didn't waste his time with the broad breasted whites and did something with a heritage breed.

btw, I went a bit crazy with my bird this year, see the post "deconstructed turkey" if you're interested.

We missed out on the garlic but we try to go at least twice during the Fall for different apples as they come available for picking and the kids absolutely love going! We've yet to try one of the fresh turkeys available during the week of Thanksgiving .. usually get one of the frozen and go from there so I can't really compare. At least with this one, we know what it was eating and that it was fresh (slaughtered Friday and picked up on Sunday). $2.50/lb was hard to swallow though.. You should call and talk with them about their turkeys ~ They're extremely nice people and I'm sure they'd listen to you.

Bill

quote:

You should call and talk with them about their turkeys ~ They're extremely nice people and I'm sure they'd listen to you. Smiler

tell me about it. I was up there over the summer with my daughter. we went to pick up some apple wood and ended up spending about an hour feeding their goats. I told Todd to give them a call and get them going on filleting some smokable woods. it seems like it would fit into their scene and last time we talked to them they seemed receptive but havent done anything yet.