We did this the weekend before Thanksgiving for our "Introduction to Outdoor Leader" course.
Some of the pictures are from that course and some are from a prior
course. We used two different cameras at two different times but
at least you should be able to "get the picture". :)
Equipment:
-
1 - 20 Gallon trash can (some people say not to use galvanized - but certainly try to avoid plastic) ;)
- 1 - Dutch Oven
-
1 - Turkey Stand (the kind you use in a fryer to get the turkey to "stand up" work well - I found mine at Bass Pro)
-
30 Pounds of Charcoal
-
1 - 15-20 pound Turkey
-
1 - Roll of Aluminum foil
-
1 - Pair of thermal gloves (like you use in a fire place)
-
1 - Small ash shovel
Instructions:
- Prepare the turkey - clean and season
- Lay aluminum foil down on the ground (I make mine about twice the size of the can). It works better if you have a layer of sand on the ground (under the aluminum foil) so the rim of the trash can can make an impression in the sand for a better seal.
- Set the dutch oven upside down on the aluminum foil (without a lid) - this is a spacer to keep the turkey away from the ground. You can also use 4 tent stakes and a round wire rack.
- Set the turkey stand on the dutch oven (or center of the wire rack).
- Place the turkey on the stand.
- Turn the trash can upside down over the turkey (try to center the turkey inside the can).
- Put as much charcoal as you can on TOP of the trash can.
- Put the remainder of the 30 pounds around the trash can.
- Let cook for 1:15 - 1:30 (either will work, I usually go for the extra 15 minutes)
- Use the ash shovel to remove the coals off the top of the can and push them back from the bottom of the can.
- Use the gloves to pick up the trash can.
- Use the trash can lid as the serving plate - simply push the turkey over on to it.
You're done!!!
Now, let me add that it works real well to also put a small aluminum foil boat between the dutch oven and the side of the trash can filled with a full bottle of Liquid Smoke - it increases the humidity in side the can and it adds smoked flavor to the turkey.
Another Note: We use 30 pounds of Match Light charcoal - we put the unlit charcoal on the can and light it up (30 pounds of Match Light makes an impressive fire!). If you don't have a good seal on the can this can let a little of the starter fumes inside the can. I couldn't smell or taste it, but one of the guys said that he could smell it.
Have Fun!
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Scouting The Net
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Bird Prep
Setting Up the Can
Light'er Up!!!
Remove Charcoal
Remove the can
The Results
Leftovers - YEAH RIGHT!
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