Slow-Cooked Smoked Turkey From Hardy's Divine Ribs And Chicken In Bethesda

Corries Hardy has made it his mission to save Thanksgiving from dry poultry.

Hardy–the man behind the giant smoker on weekends at Hardy's Divine Ribs & Chicken in Bethesda–is putting his skills to use this season, serving smoked whole turkeys by special order.

While traditional roasted birds may end up with a photogenic, golden skin, they're also typically dry, overcooked or just plain flavorless.

Hardy's birds ($55), however, are prepared in the low-and-slow Southern tradition, giving them deep, smoky flavor, with evenly cooked light and dark meat.

Rather than brine the birds, Hardy seasons his poultry with a secret blend of spices. He then hickory-smokes the 13- to 17-pound birds in the giant, barrel-shaped portable grill that he tends each weekend, grilling brisket, ribs, pulled pork and whole chickens behind the Montgomery Farm Women's Cooperative Market.

He only plans to smoke a limited number of birds, so order now for pickup on Wednesday. As an added bonus, Hardy's ultra-tender turkey stands up well against stuffing and cranberry sauce, so you can count on excellent post-Turkey Day sandwiches.

Hardy's Divine Ribs & Chicken, 7155 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda; 240-893-3182 or hardysq.com (maps/directions); contact Corries Hardy at hardyribschicken@yahoo.com to place your order