Versatile Turkey after the holidays

[Ken]

The day after Thanksgiving or Christmas I go to the market and buy a turkey, 13 pounds this year. Then I'll have them cut the bird in half lengthwise, put each half in a tray and double wrap it.  If your lucky the best birds will be on sale.  They freeze beautifully and this bird smoked perfectly.  Since the breast is on top, the whole bird is cooked when the breast is done.  I chilled this one and took it to a family gathering two days later with great results.  The meat can be used many different ways.

250 degrees for the smoker.  165 IT for the breast.  I used a low sodium no sugar rub.  I forgot to add some brown sugar. Smoked with about 2.5oz of pecan.

 

[old sarge]

Nice looking half bird.  We buy on meats on sale and vac seal till needed.  The last large hunk was a primal chuck.  Lots of cutting, vac sealing, grinding and more vac sealing. Well worth the effort.

 

[Ken]

I think I would do two halves for a whole bird too.  It's much more forgiving.