TURKEY COOKING
The most IMPORTANT thing to establish, is that this is NOT a JOKE!!
Here are the directions for making the MOST FUN & MOIST turkey ever done with a group. It is a weather driven event , however. And a METAL trashcan is a MUST!! *VBG*
I was first introduced to this unique method of Turkey Cooking at a family reunion a few years ago. The very FIRST time I saw it, I was too involved with the Gin to fully appreciate the subtleties of the event.*S* The next reunion, I took notes and pictures. GREG and DON, a.k.a. "Keepers of the Turkey", gave me support and guidance to get me through my first EVENT!!
The materials necessary to pull this event off include: 1 turkey (15-23 lbs); 20 gallon metal trashcan (preferably new or a LEAST washed out); 20 lb bag of charcoal; 2"x2" wooden stake (18-24 inches long); and heavy duty aluminum foil.
The first part of the adventure includes "Site-Selection" and the "Driving-of-the-Stake". 
Since the coals will SURROUND and be ATOP the trashcan, treat it as an "open-fire". It is also best to "Drive-the-Stake" prior to the consumption of too much Gin (or other "Potent-Potables")!! To the left, you can see my FOCUS and INTENSITY as I "Drive-the-Stake" to cook my first Turkey in the Trashcan!! Note the CONCENTRATION and SMOOTHNESS of stroke!!!
The picture on the right shows the MATERIALS needed for the event.*S*
It is best to light a pile of charcoal at about the same time as you are driving the stake. I started with about 8 lbs of charcoal. This will ensure that the coals are "Good-to-Go" at about the same time as the turkey is "Canned". NOTE that the stake has been wrapped in aluminum foil. The ENTHUSIASM of the chef is obvious!! He is FULLY prepared to tackle the task at hand.
Here is a shot of the "Staking-of-the-Turkey". Note the gentleness of the "STAKING"!!
You are also able to see the close supervision provided by Nicki. This turkey weighed 22 pounds. The cooking time with this method was TWO HOURS and THIRTY MINUTES!!! Prior to "STAKING", the turkey was rubbed with vegetable oil; and salted and peppered inside and out. I am sure that any seasoning to taste would be just fine.
Observe the "Placing-of-the-Trashcan!!!
It is critical the the placement be EXACT. You will note the total concentration of the "Placer"!! He has focused on his "Spot" and is ever SO GENTLY moving to attain the "objective". There is NO need to rush at this stage!! Placement is far more critical than speed!! Where have I heard THAT before???????
Here comes the key to success!! The "Placement-of-the-Charcoal"!! This delicate operation is not for the faint at heart.
It requires careful planning and a steady hand. The transport of the charcoal from the pile to the trashcan should be accomplished with smooth steady movements. It is also a GOOD idea to check wind direction!!!!!!*VBG* The charcoal should be spread all around the perimeter of the can, banked about 6 inches high. A layer of charcoal is also placed on the TOP of the trashcan.
There are TWO key observatins to be made from this particular photo. The FIRST is in the "Care-and-Feeding-of-the-Charcaol"!! It is important to note that you will NOT be able to lift the trashcan to "Observe-the-Progress"!!
About every 15-20 minutes, charcoal should be added to the perimeter and TOP of the trashcan. Wind conditions will influence burn rate. The SECOND observation is that I have lost more hair than I had previously thought!!!!
The "Done-Deal"
Suprisingly, cooking time varies only slightly with ambient temperature. This turkey was done on Thanksgiving Day with a temperature of around 50 degrees. It was a 22 pounder and it cooked in an AMAZING 2 1/2 hours. On the same day, my son-in-law did an 18 pounder in Maryland using this same method. The cooking time for his turkey was 2 hours and 10 minutes. The big difference between his and mine, was that MY wife did NOT go out and purchase TEN POUNDS of pre-cooked, Deli-prepared turkey breast "JUST IN CASE!!!" Of course, my in-laws were not here for dinner!!!*S*
In case of rain/snow I STRONGLY recommend an "ALTERNATIVE-METHOD"!!!!!
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