Faux Smoked Turkey Legs Recipe 385

Steps:

• In large bowl or pan, combine the water, quick salt, brown sugar, and liquid smoke. When salt and sugar have dissolved, pour mixture over turkey legs. Cover and refrigerate for 24 to 72 hours. Drain brine from turkey legs and discard used brine. Gently pat turkey dry with paper towels. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place drumsticks in lightly greased roasting pan and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Turn oven temperature up to 500°F and roast turkey legs until they reach a deep, dark brown color. Flip drumsticks and roast other side until equally browned. Note: DO NOT substitute regular or kosher salt for the tender quick salt (which is a mix of salt, sugar, and other curing agents), or you will end up with a too-salty, inedible mess. If you can't find the tender quick salt, look for a curing salt. If in doubt, ask your butcher.

Steps:

• Several hours before planning on barbecuing, loosen the skin on the turkey legs by running your fingers under it as far as possible without tearing the skin.
• Combine the Worcestershire sauce and the oil. Coat your fingers with the mixture and rub really well into the turkey legs, getting as much as you can under the skin. Sprinkle the Dry Rub over the skin, liberally rubbing into the turkey legs and under the skin. Place the legs in plastic bags and refrigerate.
• Prepare the smoker for barbecuing, bringing the temperature to 200 to 220 degrees F. Remove the turkey legs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Re-warm the mop mixture over low heat.
• Transfer the turkey legs to the smoker. Cook until the legs are very tender and the juices run clear, about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Mop the legs at 45-minute intervals in a wood-burning pit, or as appropriate for your style of smoker. Serve the legs hot, to be eaten with your fingers, with a side of barbecue sauce.
• Mix ingredients together in a small bowl.
• Combine the mop ingredients in a small saucepan and warm the mixture over low heat.