Two days ago I heard what may be the strangest recipe for holiday turkey I have ever heard.
One of my co-workers related this to me. I don't remember whether the chef in question was the guy's cousin or brother or friend or what, but Pat did mention that the guy was a few lights short of a full string. Anyway.
According to Pat, the guy would go out and buy a brand new galvanized steel garbage can and wash it thoroughly. Then he would spread some foil on the ground, drive a longish stake into the ground, impaling the foil, and impale the turkey on the stake a la Dracula. Then he would invert the trash can over the turkey and--and here's the really important part--place exactly 41 pieces of charcoal on the bottom of the can. He would light the charcoal, and a few hours later the turkey would be falling off the bones, roasted to perfection.
Apparently, this only works in the South. Another person tried it in Denver with abysmal results.
In theory, this works on the same principle as a convection oven, and I can see how it could be pulled off.
What I want to know is, how the HELL the guy came up with exactly 41 pieces of charcoal as being the proper amount.