Deep Frying a Turkey the Safe and Delicious Way

1. First thing is you need to choose your brine. Your going to have this turkey in a brine for 8 - 16 hours, i like to do it overnight. I have prepared 3 types of brines for you.

Basic Brine -
1 Lb Light Brown Sugar
1 Lb Salt

Clove and Honey Brine -
1 Lb Salt
1 Lb Honey
2 Tbsp Cloves

Maple Brine -
1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
1 Lb Salt
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
2 Cups Maple Syrup
8-10 Garlic Cloves, Whole
6-8 Bay Leaves
2 Tsp Peppercorns, Whole

Sweet & Spicy Southwest Chipotle Brine -
1 Lb Salt
1 Lb Light Brown Sugar
8 Cloves Garlic, Smashed
1 Cup Chipotle Peppers, Pureed
1/2 Cup Dijon Mustard
1/2 Cup Lime Juice
1 Tsp Cumin
1 Tsp Cayenne
2 Tbsp Onion Powder
2 Tsp Oregano
2 Tsp Thyme
2 Tbsp Grapefruit Juice

2. Now that you have chosen your brine, we can begin. You are going to need the following.

Materials -
No more than a 15 Lb Turkey
10 Gallon Water Cooler or 50 Quart Cooler
6 Quarts Hot Water
5 Lbs Ice
4-5 Gallons Peanut Oil
30 Quart Pot
1 Turkey Lifter
1 Large, Sturdy Propane Burner
1 20 Lb Propane Tank
1 Quart Size Measuring Cup
1 Pair Heat Resistant Gloves
1 Lighter or Long Match
1 Egg Timer
1 Thermometer
1 Comfy Lawn Chair
1 Fire Extinguisher

3. Brine solution:

Place hot water into water cooler.
Place brine ingredients into the hot water and stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
Add all the ice and stir.
Remove neck and gizzards from turkey and keep for stock.
Place turkey into brine solution.
Place lid on cooler and put aside for 8-16 hours, the cooler will keep the turkey cold until time to cook.

4. 8-16 hours later:

Remove turkey from brine solution and rinse very well, inside and out.
Place turkey on turkey lifter with legs on top. If wings are extended, tie them to the bird.
Dump brine solution and rinse out cooler.

5. Now its time to find how much oil we will need:

Place turkey into Pot and begin to fill pot with water via quart size measuring cup.
keep count of how many quarts of water you pour into the pot, 4 quarts of water is 1 gallon of oil.
The turkey should be completely submerged in water, just barely over the top of the turkey.
Remove turkey and pour out water, then place turkey back into cooler and store aside.

6. Location! Location! Location!:

NEVER EVER deep fry a turkey indoors, not in your garage or in your basement.
NEVER EVER deep fry a turkey on a deck or in a wooden structure, like a shed or gazebo.
NEVER EVER fry a turkey in your driveway, oil can spill everywhere and kids, bikes and balls are always around.
Always deep fry a turkey on a GRASSY area, front or back lawn is perfect. The nice GREEN GRASS will minimize spill area and burn area of oil.

7. The Cooking Begins:

Place the propane burner in the middle of the grassy yard you have chosen.
Place comfy lawn chair a safe distance from burner, and place fire extinguisher next to lawn chair.
Hook up propane tank and test, smell for gas leaks.
Bring out turkey in cooler.
Place pot on burner and pour in the oil.
Bring oil temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit .

8. Deep Fried Turkey:

Use the heavy duty coat hanger and hook it to the turkey lifter.
Bring over to pot and slowly submerge the turkey into the oil.
Bring oil to 350 degrees and set timer for 30 minutes.
DO NOT!!!, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAVE THE FRYER AREA.
Watch oil temperature, maintain 350 degrees, DO NOT let temperature reach 400 degrees.
When the cooking process is half over than the oil temperature will begin to raise because there is less moisture than before.
So watch the oil temperature.
AGAIN!!! DO NOT LEAVE THE FRYING AREA!!!.

9. 30 Minutes Later:

Use heavy duty coat hanger to pull out turkey and let excess oil drain.
Place lid on pot and place turkey on lid.
Use thermometer to check the temperature of the turkey, it should be around 155 degrees F.
Check several spots on the bird including the thigh and the breast.
Turn off burner, bring the turkey inside and set on a large sheet pan.
Let sit for 30 minutes.

10. 30 More Minutes Later

Place turkey on platter, slice and enjoy!!!!

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season