TASTE OF THE TREASURE COAST
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The trash can is placed over the turkey, surrounded and topped by coals.
seasoning. Not only does this add moisture to the meat, but it
also enhances the flavor.
COOKING
Next comes the question of how to cook the bird. Smoking,
roasting, direct and indirect grilling and frying have all been
touted as tried-and-true methods, with frying being the most
hazardous. One fun cooking method involves a beer can,
whereby a chicken is impaled on a partially full can of beer
and placed on the grill. Take this one step further, and you
have our recipe of the month.
TRASH CAN TURKEY
I first saw this showstopper performed at the home of Vero
Beach resident Colleen Liebert. An accomplished chef in her
own right, Liebert had invited friends to share in her Thanksgiving
festivities, this time relinquishing her apron to trusted
friend Larry Timmerman. He has been cooking turkeys this
way for many years and swears by a recipe from Steven
Raichlen’s cookbook, BBQ USA, wherein Raichlen claims it
to be almost impossible to overcook turkey breast using this
method.
PROCEDURE
A brined and well-seasoned turkey is speared atop a stake
stuck into the ground and covered with a trash can. Glowing
coals are then placed around and atop the trash can, and
roughly one and a half hours later, you have a bird that is
“meltingly tender and ineffably succulent,” to quote Raichlen.
This method not only frees up the oven for all the side
dishes but also cooks the meat more quickly, thus providing
a few hours of entertainment for the male contingent in your
group — men who will happily gather around a smoldering
trash can and drink beer. We hope you’ll give it a try. Happy
Thanksgiving!
/www.thecakeladybakes.com
/www.choctc.com
