My Theme Park Style Turkey Legs

Paintpuddles's Note:

There are many versions out there on how to make those theme park turkey legs that I have found. Some were way too salty or smokey for us. So I experimented and came up with this simple version that was close as we could get to those you get at the parks. We just use a simple back yard smoker, nothing fancy and they tasted so good.

• Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 -6 large turkey legs

Brine

• 1 cup kosher salt
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons peppercorns
• ½ gallon vegetable stock , chicken stock or, water and use a chicken base
• 1 gallon ice water
• 6 teaspoons liquid smoke

Directions:

1. This is my version that worked well for us. I brine for 24 hours. Heat your smoker to 220 degrees with real charcoal chunks. Add your favorite wood chips if you like. We then smoke the legs until done, it's about 4 hours for nice sized legs. The turkey comes out with a nice "hammy" texture. They may not be exactly like the theme park turkey legs but sure comes close enough for us.
2. Heat 1/2 gallon of water or stock to a boil to dissolve the salt, brown sugar and base if using.
3. Allow to cool to room temperature.
4. Add to your brine pot along with 1 gallon of ice water and brine for 24 hours.
5. ***Note: Apple wood or Cherry wood chips are a sweeter milder smoke than Hickory wood.