Garbage Can Turkey

Ingredients

• 1 (12-14 lb) turkey, thawed and giblets removed
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons dried sage
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons dried basil
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 onions, quartered
• 2 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
• 2 (32-gallon) heavy-duty garbage cans
• 1 (18-pound) bag of charcoal

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, and parsley.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the turkey with the melted butter, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
4. Place the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic inside the cavity of the turkey.
5. Place the turkey in one of the garbage cans.
6. Fill the second garbage can with the charcoal and light it.
7. Carefully place the second garbage can over the turkey.
8. Cover the top of the garbage cans with the lid.
9. Cook the turkey for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F.
10. Carefully remove the lid and the top can and check the internal temperature of the turkey.
11. If the temperature is not at least 165°F, replace the lid and can and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
12. Once the turkey is done, carefully remove the cans and let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Interesting Facts

• Garbage Can Turkey is a popular method of cooking turkey in the United States.
• This method of cooking the turkey is said to give it a unique flavor and a juicy interior.
• The method of cooking the turkey in a large garbage can also gives it a nice crispy skin.