PatioDaddio
Babbling Farker
my bird is 13.4 lbs. Fresh, organic...no injections. Is 12 hrs long enough to brine? I don't like it too salty. I plan on smoking at 150-180 for 2 hrs then crank it up to 350 to finish it off. Am I still in the safety zone? How much time overall will it take? It is 50 degrees here. Thanks!
12 hours in the brine is fine, as I recommend 45 minutes per pound. As for your cooking plan, I'd urge you to simply smoke it at 325* for the entire cook (about 2 1/2 to 3 hours). 150-180 is WAY too low and dangerous.
John