Skip to main content

Caveman Drums

We call R. B.’s house the Cave. His pals love his Shangri-la of music, motorcycles, guitars, cold beer, and firewood, where caveman chitchat comfortably drifts into menswear sales, paint colors, and advances in toaster oven technology. Turkey drums fit the Cave scene with ease. All rubbed and sauced, Caveman Drums enable cavemen to maintain cavelike machismo while tiptoeing around the perimeter of their feelings. Bottled wing sauces are a cheater cinch, but, c’mon, be a man. Brush on a cheater interstate sauce (pages 38 to 43). You better have some stored in the fridge.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 6 servings

Ingredients

6 turkey drumsticks (about 4 pounds)
2 tablespoons oil
4 teaspoons Cheater Smoked Rub (page 47)
Barbecue sauce (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    HEAT the oven to 350°F.

    Step 2

    MAKE two 3-drum foil packs for easy handling. For each pack, place three drumsticks on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil large enough to seal tightly.

    Step 3

    DRIZZLE 1 tablespoon of the oil over each pack of drumsticks, coating the skin until it’s shiny. Sprinkle all sides of the drums with 2 teaspoons of the dry rub per foil pack.

    Step 4

    SEAL the two packs and place them on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast the turkey for 1 1/2 hours, or until tender. Unwrap the packs and discard the juice.

    Step 5

    HEAT the broiler. If saucing, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce before broiling. To crisp the skin, broil the drumsticks 4 inches from the heat source for about 5 minutes per side.

Cheater BBQ
Read More
Like lemony baked salmon and strawberry shortcake roll.
Like spicy carrot rigatoni and weeknight-fancy ravioli with peas.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Crispy, Parmesan-crusted cutlets make this spring dish sing.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.