Traveling with a turkey

Foiling and Cooler method will work. If you want people to see the turkey.
Otherwise I would cut the turkey where it is the easiest.

John

Agree. But FTC would keep it hot for the trip.

So if I FTC (that's the way I'm leaning) Should I take it out earlier (since it will continue to "cook" in the cooler... or am I good...

Gut feeling is - I'll be good...

Been smokin' Turkeys for years... just never packed one to travel!

Nordy

Think that you could take it out just a little earlier. not 10 degrees less then desired temp. The bird will be hot when you get to dinner.
John

I would recommend brining the turkey, this will give you the cushion for not having the bird dry out if you over shoot the temp by a little.

What I did for thanksgiving, which I needed 3 hrs time from cook to eating, was pull at 160* in breast. I put the bird in a aluminium half pan and then tented with foil. I used a warmed cooler to put pan in and used crumpled newspaper to fill the air pockets of the cooler.

I was very pleased with the results and it traveled well.

Thanks for the help guys.

I hate mixing up my normal routine on a holiday without experimenting first! Thanks for giving me confidence that "it'll be all right."

Cal - I will definitely be brining the turkey. Your plan and experience from Thanksgiving helped me know I was on the right track.

Thanks again.

Nordy

Nordy
If you use a cooler, suggest that you pre-warm it. Might give you some extra storage time.

John

John,

Is the best way to warm the cooler with hot water?

Nordy

think so

quote:

Originally posted by Nordy:
Long time lurker here...

Quick question... Smoking a turkey for Christmas. But after smoking I've got to drive 2 hours to the in-laws. Should I just take it out as usual, foil, towel a d cooler it for the drive? Or should I carve it before we leave.... Other ideas?

Nordy

I think it would retain heat longer if you transported it whole. I have transported many turkeys 50 miles to the site of our thanksgiving meal many times.

Cover with foil ,wrap with a towel (or a wool blanket like I used to do), and put it in a cooler (or a big cardboard box lined with insulation board).

Works like a charm and doesn't dry out.

Transport it whole. Cutting it up will just allow everything to dry out. Skin won't be worth eating (the foil, etc will just make it soggy).

Report...

FTC worked pretty well. I pulled it with the breast at 160. It was in the cooler for about 2.5 hours. Crazy hot when I took it out. Turkey was great except for a few outer areas which ended up a bit overdone. Still all on all great turkey and lots of compliments

Thanks for all the help!

Nordy