Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid Zatarian's Concentrated Crab and Shrimp Boil (optional)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1 (12-ounce) bottle beer
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup Emeril's Creole Seasoning (Essence), recipe follows
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • pinch ground cloves
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 turkeys (8 to 10 pounds each)
  • about 10 gallons peanut oil
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • To make the marinade: Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process for about 5 minutes.
  • Fill a syringe and inject each turkey in the breast and thigh area, as well as the back, wings, and legs.
  • You will have to fill the syringe several times.
  • Next, combine the seasoning ingredients and rub the mixture evenly all over each turkey.
  • Place the turkeys in large plastic bags and secure before icing them down or refrigerating them for 24 hours.
  • To fry each turkey: Fill a large pot three quarters of the way full with the peanut oil and heat the oil to between 350 and 360 degrees F. Place 1 turkey in the basket insert and carefully and slowly lower it into the hot oil.
  • Turn the turkey every 10 minutes, using long-handled forks.
  • A whole turkey will take 3 to 5 minutes per pound to cook.
  • It is done when the internal temperature reaches 170 to 180 degrees F on an instant read meat thermometer.
  • Carefully lift the basket out of the hot oil.
  • This can be done by inserting a broomstick through the handles and having two strong people lift the basket out of the pot.
  • Using the long-handled forks, transfer the turkey to a large brown paper bag and let stand for about 15 minutes before removing to carve.
  • Repeat the procedure for the second turkey.
  • Carve the turkey and serve with the other traditional side items.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking" by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.