Ryan Spilborghs Shares Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes

Warm burgundy, golden, and auburn hues adorn our wardrobes, homes, and our scenic commutes. Pies cooking in the oven. A dusting of snow on the ground (at least here in Windsor, CO)! The holiday season is here, and the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving is with family, friends, and food! Check out our Co-founder Ryan Spilborghs as he shares his favorite recipes from Traeger below:

The Star of the Show: Traditional Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 Pound butter
• 6 Clove garlic, minced
• 8 Sprig fresh thyme
• 1 Sprig fresh rosemary
• 1 Tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 1/2 Tablespoon kosher salt
• 20 Pound (12 lb) whole turkey

Directions: 

1. Set the grill temperature to 300℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
2. Combine softened butter with minced garlic, thyme leaves, chopped rosemary, black pepper and kosher salt.
3. Prep the turkey by separating the skin from the breast creating a pocket to stuff the butter-herb mixture in. Cover the entire breast with 1/4″ thickness of butter mixture.
4. Season the whole turkey with kosher salt and black pepper. Optional: Stuff turkey cavity with Traditional Stuffing recipe. When ready to cook, set the grill temperature to 300℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
5. Place turkey on the grill and smoke for 3-4 hours. Check the internal temperature, the desired temperature is 175℉ in the thigh next to the bone, and 160℉ in the breast. Turkey will continue to cook once taken off grill to reach a final temperature of 165℉ in the breast.
6. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

The Dessert: Hot Off the Traeger Wood-Fired Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients: 

• 3/4 Cup brown sugar
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 1 Cup butter, softened
• 1 Teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 2 Cup rolled oats
• 1 1/2 Cup all-purpose flour
• 1 Teaspoon baking soda
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 3/4 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

Directions: 

1. When ready to cook, start the Traeger and set the temperature to 350 degrees F. Preheat, lid closed, for 10-15 minutes.
2. In large bowl, cream sugars and butter until blended. Stir in vanilla and egg until light and fluffy.
3. Stir in oats, flour, baking soda and salt. Add in chocolate chips.
4. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto parchment lined cookie sheet.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Enjoy!