Dad's Deep Fried Turkey

Deep Fried Turkey

Fifteen pound turkey

25 medium bay leaves

3 ¼ teaspoons dried thyme

3 ¼ teaspoons dried oregano

1 ½ teaspoons whole peppercorns

3 tablespoons Konriko brand or other hot Creole seasoning

2 teaspoons garlic powder

4 gallons peanut oil

1.   Wash turkey inside and out under cold running water.

2.    Crush bay leaves in a small bowl.  Finely grind thyme, oregano, and peppercorn separately; add to bay leaves.  Mix in Creole seasoning and garlic powder.

3.   Rub 1/3 spice mixture on inside of turkey, 1/3 under skin of breasts, and 1/3 on outside of turkey; place in roasting pan.  Cover; marinate overnight or up to 24 hours in refrigerator.

4.   Bring turkey to room temperature.  Using a wooden skewer, thread nick flap securely to bottom of turkey.  Fold wing tips under.  Using steel or aluminum wire, truss legs and pope’s nose together securely; form a handle with wire.  This will enable you to hold turkey while submerging tin hot oil.

5.   Heat oil in 10-gallon pot with liner basket over high heat until temperature registers 360 degrees on candy/deep-fry thermometer.  Holding turkey by handle, immerse in oil.  Maintain temperature at 360 degrees while frying.  Fry until golden brown, about 45 minutes, or 3 minutes per pound.

6.   Lift turkey from oil; transfer to wire rack over a roasting pan.  Drain for 15 minutes.