By Judy Toth - Simply Impressive Cooking School

Grilled Turkey
 

I love Thanksgiving, I love turkey… and I absolutely love making turkey on the grill. It produces a nice, smoky-tasting turkey that is tender and juicy. Besides making a wonderful turkey, grilling it also leaves you more room in your oven to prepare the rest of your meal.


1 Turkey, fresh or frozen – defrosted if frozen
Salt, pepper and favorite seasonings
1 Charcoal kettle grill set up for indirect heat



If using a frozen turkey, make sure it is defrosted by Thanksgiving morning. Season it the way you like. Truss the turkey if you like to keep the legs and wings from dangling over the fire. Or, easier yet, wrap foil over the turkey wing tips and tuck them in to keep them from burning. I prefer not to stuff my turkey, but stuff it if you like.

Set up the grill (I prefer using charcoal for that great flavor, but a gas grill will work, too) for a medium-high heat. The grill should be set up for indirect heat, with the coals on the outer edges of the grill and a drip pan in the center. Place the seasoned turkey over the center of the grill to catch all the wonderful drippings for gravy. Cover the turkey and let it cook.

Timing varies depending on turkey size, grill temperature, wind and outside temperature. I have been able to cook a 20-pound turkey in a little more than two hours. So make sure you watch the turkey to check its doneness, which is when a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees in the breast. Carefully remove the turkey from the grill and let rest for 20-30 minutes. That gives you just enough time to make the gravy and gather your family around the table!


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call Simply Impressive Cooking School at 480-654-1981
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