Enjoy a Minimalist Thanksgiving Dinner

The grandest holiday of the nation, in our humble view, is just around the corner, and you can be certain we won't rush to put up Christmas decorations here at the AEI Corporation—until Thanksgiving has been fully celebrated and cherished. Expressing gratitude is a family tradition that spans generations. It’s a time to celebrate our loved ones, instill values in our children, and deepen our understanding of life.

That’s precisely why we’ve poured immense care and effort into ensuring our PGS A Series grills are robust, reliable, and visually stunning. Regardless of whether you opt for a PGS grill fueled by liquid propane or natural gas, you can trust you’re acquiring a grill manufactured in the USA, a grill that promises longevity, and the ideal outdoor tool to elevate your Thanksgiving tradition.

PGS A Series grills are perfect for grilling throughout the year. Featuring high-quality, weather-resistant components and versatile storage solutions, you’ll be able to use your grill even in adverse weather conditions as long as you have a cozy, partly enclosed patio. Moreover, there are multiple mounting, installation, and storage options, along with OEM parts, making upkeep simple and straightforward.

Thanksgiving Smoked Turkey Leg Recipe with PGS A Series Grills

Considering all of this, we thought it would be delightful to share our beloved smoked Thanksgiving turkey legs recipe to make this year's celebration even more memorable. Thanksgiving is a time for friends, food, and family—but we mustn’t overlook the stress that often accompanies it. Much of this tension arises from overcrowding in kitchens with limited space. By incorporating a PGS A Series grill into your cooking arsenal, you’ll gain additional cooking capacity and the flexibility to diversify your Thanksgiving offerings.

This smoked turkey leg recipe, adapted from TasteOfHome.com, reflects our personal grilling preferences. Over time, you’ll develop your own flair, bringing authentic flavors to your Thanksgiving grilling. Here’s the original recipe* for your reference.

Thanksgiving Smoked Legs

Ingredients

• ½ cup of melted butter
• 2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt
• 1 and ¼ teaspoons of paprika
• 1 and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of crushed pepper
• ½ teaspoon of dried basil
• ½ teaspoon of Cayenne pepper
• 1 turkey leg (1 & ½ pounds each)
• 3 cups of soaked applewood** chips

Seasoning & Smoking Notes

* Our recipe is expected to be approximately twice as spicy as the original Taste of Home recipe. We doubled the pepper and used ground pepper for a richer taste. We also increased the Cayenne pepper by 25%. For a milder version, follow the original recipe, though we still suggest using crushed peppercorns instead of regular pepper. (It makes a significant difference.) For a medium spice level, adjust the quantities to strike a balance between these two recipes.

** Applewood smoke chips, as specified in both the Taste of Home version and ours, provide a light, delicate, and fruity smokiness to the meat. It’s perfect for the season, but feel free to experiment with other smoke-flavored chips to suit your palate. Consider the following:

• Cherry: for a mild, sweet flavor
• Peach: a mild, sweet flavor and a southern classic
• Maple: mild and sweet with a robust touch
• Pecan: another holiday favorite, slightly spicy and bold
• Ash: sweet and nutty, ideal for the holidays

For a more traditional (yet less seasonal) BBQ flavor, try:

• Alder: gives a subtle, musky character to the meat
• Mesquite: a strong flavor that pleases most palates
• Hickory: a BBQ classic that never disappoints
• Oak: a medium to heavy flavor that feels both comforting and rich

Instructions

1. Combine the first nine ingredients in a small bowl and mix with melted butter. Coat your turkey legs with the mixture and let them sit for four minutes.
 
2. Place your chosen wood chips on the grill (Refer to Make a Smoking Packet below). Position your turkey legs on the grill rack. Grill the turkey over indirect medium heat, covered, for 40 to 45 minutes. Monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and remove when it reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn your turkey legs every four to six minutes during cooking.

Make a SMOKING PACKET

Take a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a handful of soaked wood chips in the center. Enclose the foil around the chips and poke a few holes in the top with a knife or fork to allow smoke to escape. Place the packet over direct heat.

No turkey is complete without cranberry sauce.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

• 1 lb fresh cranberries
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 3 whole star anise

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat on your PGS Grill Side Burner. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Discard the star anise. Cool and serve.

PGS A Series Grills: A Grill that Endures

All grills in the A Series are crafted to look great, perform exceptionally, and last for many years with proper care and maintenance. With optional mounting, covering, and storage solutions, you can effortlessly shield your PGS grill from the elements. Additionally, with its corrosion-resistant construction and materials, your grill remains well-guarded even in salty-air environments.

PGS grills are designed with an innovative modular system. This means if any component needs replacement, you can easily remove it, order the part from our online catalog, and install it with minimal hassle.

PGS grills also boast several valuable safety and anti-theft features, making them some of the most coveted outdoor residential and commercial grills in the market. These include an automatic shutoff timer, perfect for public installations.

It’s not too late to transform your Thanksgiving into a world-class grilling event with these award-winning grills. Reach out today to learn more and secure yours!