Thanksgiving Turkey Cooking Suggestions

[mash]

Hello! We're camping at Ft. Wilderness this Thanksgiving and have been debating about trying to cook a turkey. We have pop-ups that do not have ovens. Any suggestions or tips about trying to cook a turkey? Or, is it too much trouble? Thanks for your help.

 

[Rhonda]

We love cooking turkeys on a grill! It doesn't take as long as it does in the oven and they turn out great! But, of course, it does take some time, so you'd have to be around during the day to watch it.

 

[aynt79]

Deep fried turkey is good, but I don't know if you would want to bother buying the whole set up.

You can also just buy frozen turkey breast and pop it into a crockpot.

 

[jima53]

I believe the pot name is a Nesco, can't be sure about this. We have two of them. ONe is big enough to cook a 20 pound turkey and the other is much smaller. They have a cover and you are able to brown the turkey by using a high heat at the beginning and then later start basting. The meat is so juicy and moist. We put the cooking dish out on the picnic table and run a extension cord so the popup doesnt get all heated up from the cooking.

Jim

 

[Rhonda]

I believe the pot name is a Nesco, can't be sure about this. We have two of them. ONe is big enough to cook a 20 pound turkey and the other is much smaller. They have a cover and you are able to brown the turkey by using a high heat at the beginning and then later start basting. The meat is so juicy and moist. We put the cooking dish out on the picnic table and run a extension cord so the popup doesnt get all heated up from the cooking.

Jim

Yes! We use our Nesco cooker for turkeys too -- that's a great idea for camping!

 

[PenskeSth1]

You could use a Turkey roaster. DH got me one for Christmas a couple years ago and I still have not used it. We either deep fry the turkey or put it in the oven. My grandma used to use a turkey roaster and the turkey was always delicious.

 

[susancl]

I'll appoligize in advance for what I'm about to write:

My camping rule is to eat out at least one meal/day while camping. So.....

Make an ADR for Thanksgiving (and FAST) and enjoy!

 

[just another guy]

I don't know disney's policy on deep fat fryers(I'm guessing its a big nono) but nothing beats a deep fat fried turkey.

 

[LindaBabe]

When we're home for the holidays, I do my turkey in my Weber Kettle (charcoal fired.) You need to buy a smallish wide breasted turkey rather than a high one. Do not stuff it except you can put in a cut up apple, onion, and celery to flavor the bird.

Build a LARGE fire - when it's ready, push the coals into a ring, leaving the center open. Put a round disposable pan in the middle, top up the fire with fresh charcoal and put the turkey in the middle, breast down. Cover and roast for an hour or so.

Lift the lid and turn over the turkey, carefully with two forks. Baste if desired. Shake down the ash and top up the fire again with plenty of charcoal. Cover and continue. Top the fire at intervals until done.

The less you can open the lid, the better - but it's a delicate balance - if the coals burn down too much, they won't ignite the new charcoal.

 

[bianca]

We always just buy a turkey breast and cook it in our larger crock-pot. Not as fancy as a NESCO or turkey fryer, but we like it!

 

[campingcorgi]

Lots of people do the deep fat fried turkey at FW. You should see all those 5 gallon oil containers out with the trash on Friday!

 

[mash]

Thank you for all of the wonderful suggestions. Quick question on the crockpot...do you put anything in the crockpot with the turkey (broth, vegetables, etc) or just put it in by itself?

 

[bianca]

I put the turkey breast in with a can or two of chicken broth, onions and poultry seasoning. If there is room in there, I'll usually add some veggies, but if not, they can always be done on the stove-top later. I'm sure my family would love a fancier version of turkey, but hey ...... I'm on vacation, too! With the crock-pot, I can still play at the parks during the day and clean-up is minimal!

 

[jima53]

Hey no matter how you cook it, when its sliced and on the plate it is still turkey.... deep fry, slow cook, nesco, whole, half breast.... maybe being at a campground makes the family slow down a bit and enjoy the day.


Jim

 

[DaddyDon]

When i camp i like to take a turkey split in half,It thaw's quicker and cooks great even on the small campside grill's!Good Luck !

 

[kimmikayb]

All great ideas! Or you could cook it at home, freeze it and by the time Thanksgiving rolls around it is thawed out in your cooler?

I would probably eat out but thinking about having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at FW with my family just sounds fantastic!!!!!!!