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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