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Honey-Lavender Smoked Turkey

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A unique and flavorful smoked turkey recipe combining sweet honey and floral lavender, perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–15 pounds, thawed if previously frozen)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • A handful of fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 whole lemon, halved
  • Applewood or hickory smoker chips

Instructions

  1. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the neck and giblets if included.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine honey, dried lavender, and olive oil. Heat gently over medium-low heat until aromatic and slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
  3. Rub the softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin. Mix salt, pepper, and minced garlic, then season the turkey generously, including the cavity.
  4. Place the lemon halves and fresh thyme sprigs inside the turkey cavity to infuse flavor.
  5. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking (optional).
  6. Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add your chosen wood chips.
  7. Place the turkey breast-side up on the smoker grates. Smoke for 3-4 hours, basting every hour with the honey-lavender glaze.
  8. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
  9. Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

[‘Baste generously with the honey-lavender glaze for maximum flavor.’, ‘Place a small pan of water inside the smoker to maintain humidity and prevent the turkey from drying out.’, ‘Use applewood chips for mild sweetness or hickory chips for a robust smoky flavor.’, ‘Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes after smoking to ensure juiciness.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey-Lavender Smoked Turkey, Holiday Turkey Recipe, Thanksgiving Turkey, Smoked Turkey Recipe, Lavender Turkey

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/honey-lavender-smoked-turkey-recipe-perfect-for-holidays/