Outdoor Cooking Sparks New Ideas for Thanksgiving Meals

Americans Firing up Grills, Smokers and Fryers for New Twists on Holiday Turkey and Trimmings

According to the National Turkey Federation (NTF), an estimated 46 million turkeys will be cooked this holiday. Based on HPBA consumer poll responses, that means up to 32.2 million turkeys could be getting the boot from the oven! Americans agree that grilling, smoking and frying are preferable to the oven for a number of reasons:ARLINGTON, Va. -- Americans are rethinking tradition this Thanksgiving with more than 70 percent of consumers saying they would opt out of the oven and instead grill (18 percent), smoke (25 percent) or fry (28 percent) their turkey, according to a new poll by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). Turkeys can be fried in less than an hour, smoked over low heat for several hours or even cooked on a grill – each option offers a mouthwatering meal packed with juicy flavor and crispy taste.Tips for Outdoor Cooking and the Ultimate Turkey ExperienceDon’t Forget The Trimmings!

Beyond the bird, seven in ten Americans admit that they would like to see grilled side dishes on their Thanksgiving platters, including grilled vegetables (51 percent) or grilled bread, fruits or desserts (18 percent). While the turkey is the centerpiece of the meal, Thanksgiving’s savory side dishes and trimmings can all be cooked outdoors. Try America’s Outdoor Cooking Experts Bill and Cheryl Jamison’s recipes for crispy smashed potatoes, grilled apples slices or grilled vegetable orzo, available at www.hpba.org.About Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)The 2,800-member Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.For more recipes and tips on grilling, smoking and frying turkey, visit HPBA at www.hpba.org or NTF at www.eatturkey.com .

The 2,800-member Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.