Hickory or Mesquite for Thanksgiving?

Question

I've got my bird soaking in the brine and the smoker all ready to go for tomorrow a.m......except I can't decide if I should use hickory or mesquite.

I'm in west Texas, so mesquite is often the smoke of choice around here, but hickory reminds me so much of the South where I grew up.

ANYWAY.....not really too bothered by my dilemma, just wanted to say HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone and to remind everyone to remember to give thanks to the Almighty for our many blessings in whatever manner you and your family prefer.

And I know a lot of you (like me) will be in the field this week, so be careful out there and keep warm. GOD BLESS and GOOD HUNTING!

Both? Never thought of that......how does that taste?

Dick Chaney?

You can't even tell the joke without misspelling the Vice President's name?

So we finally know what "JD" stand for!
I happen to have a bit of the old "JD" around here.....I may try that!

John, I was just kidding! :-}

I steam/smoke the birds to keep them moist. And I don't overdo the flavored smoke, using natural oak charcoal for the heat.

Answer 1

Use BOTH! Why not, can't hurt.
Happy Thanksgiving, happy hunting and good luck!

Answer 2

Both Hickory and Mesquite are very flavorful woods that when used alone can overload your meat with the smoke flavor and cover the flavor of the meat itself. I find the best flavor is obtained by using primarily Oak wood and just using Mesquite or Hickory as sort of a seasoning for the smoke. Apple is a wonderful wood for turkey. If you can find it, you ought to give it a try.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and may God bless you and all in your home this Thanksgiving and every day of the year.

Answer 3

Mesquite is a little sweeter tasting but turkey doesn't need it. I would go with the Hickory. I sometimes use Black Walnut wood and for pork I go with apple wood. but Hickory is good for everything. Wish I had some out here in Colorado.
Have a happy Thanksgiving and hope the holidays are good to you and your family.
Sarge

Answer 4

Happy Thanksgiving! Got a lot to be thankful for here this year!!!!!

Personally, this is how I do my turkey every year and I have not once had leftovers UNFORTUNATELY!!!!

I have a half barrel type smoker, and like CIH I am a huge fan of apple wood (I soak mine in orange juice and olive oil) or wild cherry wood.

I marinate the turkey in orange juice, teriyaki, and sesame seeds.

I pull the skin back from the breast and rub it down with just a bit of Walkers Wood Jamaican Jerk, then toothpick it back shut.

I put the turkey breast up on the rack and on the rack above it I will put a keilbasa sausage that has been wrapped heavily in bacon, maple syrup, and brown sugar.

This really helps keep the turkey well basted. One of my other secrets is putting a beercan of water and vinegar in the smoker to keep everything really moist.

My family LOVES this and I would probably be shot or skewered if I ever decided to not make it.

Happy Turkey day everybody! Please remember our troops that cant be home to enjoy this with us....

Answer 5

It depends on what you want to use the leftovers for. If it is going to be spicy dishes, like turkey enchiladas, or if it is going to be just sandwiches, (or if you will have enough people over so that there won't be any leftovers), go with the mesquite. If you will be using the leftovers for anything else go with the hickory.

Do me one favor though, don't let any Arizonians you might be aquainted with know that an Arizonian suggested ANYTHING besides mesquite.

Answer 6

Go for hickory at least it will be a change from mesquite, happy thanksgiving!

Answer 7

I've always enjoyed the turkeys that were smoked with hickory rather than mesquite. Mesquite is good, it just lacks that certain something.

Answer 8

Boker's right...Use both and have the BEST of both worlds..Soak your wood chips in a cup of Jack Daniels instead of water (In a Ziploc Bag 4-6 hours...I AM SERIOUS!) .........( I know it's a waste but it REALLY adds to the flavor!) Besides you can drink the rest or serve it to family & guests before dinner,or during dinner, or for dessert, and after dinner....lol.......

HECK DJ..I though you'all was from the South ???

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL HERE ON ANSWERS!

UPDATE.My Turkey turned out PERFECT using both wood chips and the Jack Daniels. 21.6 lb bird and 14 guests.VERY LITTLE left, as everybody wanted goodie bags with leftovers to eat later on cold!

Answer 9

personally like mesquite more,but I haven't tasted turkey cooked with it.

Answer 10

Somehow I fear it will not matter to me which I would use as I have been invited to go bird hunting with Dick Chaney.
I may not come home alive so I will hold off on buying a turkey for now.
Happy Thanksgiving