2 large onions, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 gallon hot water
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 gallon ice
12-15 pound turkey (giblets removed, neck reserved for gravy)
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Lillies Q-Rub
DIRECTIONS: THE BRINE
In a large mixing bowl combine the first three ingredients with 1/2 gallon of the hottest water you can get form your kitchen sink.
Add sugar and salt. Mix until fully dissolved. Add 1/2 gallon of ice to the mixing bowl.
Place turkey in a fridge-friendly container and pour brine over turkey.
Brine until ready to cook (ideally overnight).
DIRECTIONS: THE TURKEY (SMOKED)
Truss the turkey.
Sprinkle turkey with Lillie's Q-Rub until well coated.
Smoke at 250 degrees in a turkey pan until desired brown color is reached (roughly 2-3 hours).
Cover turkey with aluminum foil and continue to cook until thermometer reads 155 degrees when inserted in thigh (start checking at the 5 hour mark).
Allow turkey to rest for 30 minutes tented with foil before carving.
DIRECTIONS: THE TURKEY (ROASTED)
Follow steps 1-2 from above, then place in a roasting pan. Roast at 425 degrees for 15 min.
Reduce heat to 350 degrees and roast until thermometer reads 155 degrees when inserted in thigh (start checking at the 4 hour mark).
Note: For a Northern Alabama twist, dip finished turkey in our Alabama white barbecue sauce, Ivory.
