In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a harvest dinner, which is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. This meal has become a symbol of cooperation and interaction between English colonists and Native Americans.

Today we celebrate that symbol of peace on the fourth Thursday in November. This year Thanksgiving is on November 27th and turkey is on everybody’s plates. Even though thanksgiving is a day for thanks, it’s always been about the turkey. There are many ways you can prepare serve or even cook a turkey. The Recipe below tells you step by step how to cook a barbeque Turkey.

Line a charcoal grill with heavy-duty aluminum foil to keep after-the-meal cleanup to a minimum. (Do not line a gas grill.) Open all vents and punch holes through foil at grill vent openings, allowing for air circulation.

Arrange charcoal in a pyramid shape in bottom of grill, and ignite. When coals are hot, carefully place a large barbecue drip pan in center of grill. Arrange coals on either side. (To make foil drip pan: Stack 2 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil 6 inches longer and wider than food to be cooked. Fold in all edges 1-1/2 inches. Fold edges upright, forming 1-1/2-inch sides. Press corners against sides.)

Remove neck and giblets from both cavities of defrosted turkey. Rinse turkey, pat dry and brush with vegetable oil. (Do not stuff turkey.) Insert meat thermometer into inner thigh for whole turkey or into thickest part of breast for turkey breast. Grease grills rack with vegetable oil. Place turkey, breast side up, on grill rack above drip pan.

Cook in covered grill over medium, indirect heat until meat thermometer reads 180 degrees to 185 degrees F for whole turkey or 170 degrees to 175 degrees F for turkey breast. For charcoal grill, add additional charcoal every 45 to 50 minutes to maintain medium heat. The approximate roasting times are: 2 to 3 hours for 8 to 12 lb. turkey; 3 to 4 hours for 12 to 16 lb. turkey. Not recommended for 16 to 24-pound turkey.

For easy slicing, cover turkey with foil and let stand 15 minutes after removing from grill.



Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of turkey. There are plenty of alternatives you can have. Other main courses include Ham, roast beef, or you could just eat out.