We have HALF of a 22 pound turkey (split front to back) from a local farm. How on earth should I cook this, and for how long (given no cavity)?

You too! Hope it works out beautifully!

Ok, I'd go with this method, which is simple and has always given me excellent results: https://food52.com/recipes/38997-barbara-kafka-s-simple-roast-turkey. As for cooking time, I'd start checking the temperature after about an hour and 15 minutes since you're not cooking a whole bird. It may take closer to 2 hours because of the size, but better safe than sorry! Oh, and definitely salt the inside and outside of the turkey before you put it in -- the recipe doesn't call for salt.

However best to get it done by a target 3pm (East coast) sitdown 😉

Sorry for the delay! Yes, cavity-side down and you'll definitely get some drippings. It's not brined, right? Do you want to cook it low and slow or at high heat?

3 hours maybe??? Should I lay it cavity-side down? Will I still get some drippings?

Hi Gretchen. Lucky you! Your turkey will cook much more evenly and quickly than a whole bird. Do you have the backbone?