Comments on Profile Post by Vtory

This year for the second time in a few years I bought a turkey from a local BBQ joint (a top 50 in TX on the hallowed Texas Monthly BBQ list) and it is, without a doubt, the best turkey I have ever had in my life. Better than I thought turkey could ever be and my dad has always done a good job smoking turkeys.

Chicken is easier to do well than turkey. I will say one of the best dishes I’ve ever had was chicken though, so maybe it is just better.

For the last few years, my wife and I have asked our local butcher to spatchcock the turkey for us. Spatchcocking allows the meat to cook at a more uniform temperature. We’ve also fallen in love with dry brine. It’s less messy than wet brine and really picks up the flavors of the spices and aromatics in the brine. As long as you watch the temperature of the meat, you’re guaranteed a flavorful, tender bird.

We, too, chickened out and got a whole smoked turkey from a local BBQ joint. Consensus: why bother roasting your own if smoked is this delicious and not much more $$ than a frozen butterball?

But, if i were to choose a deathbed dinner, it'd be spatchcocked chicken-under-a-brick over turkey 100%.

Chicken, turkey, duck, game birds, etc - can all taste good when properly prepared. Although I have turkey most years, IMO no rule that says you can't change it up.

I mean the pilgrims at lobster at their Thanksgiving no?

Duck is where its at. Today even my son decided that he didn't need Turkey for T-Day anymore and preferred duck.

Less Is More.