Outdoor Cooking Sparks New Ideas for Thanksgiving Meals

Americans Firing up Grills, Smokers and Fryers for New Twists on Holiday Turkey
and Trimmings
ARLINGTON, Va.--(Business Wire)--
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.

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:

* Allows you to try something new (54 percent of respondents)
* Gives you a more tender or juicy turkey (54 percent of respondents)
* Frees up space in your oven for other cooking (53 percent of respondents)
* Easier clean up (52 percent of respondents)

"More than one-third of Americans plan to cook some part of their Thanksgiving
meal outdoors this year," said Leslie Wheeler, HPBA Communications Director.
"Americans look forward to cooking their holiday meal outdoors for its savory
results and no muss, no fuss approach. Whether it`s to start a new family
tradition, to try a new recipe or even just to free up space in the oven, more
and more people are turning to grilling, smoking and frying for their
Thanksgiving feast."

Whether consumers plan to grill, smoke or fry this year`s whole turkey or turkey
breast, HPBA and NTF offer preparation and cooking tips to ensure a safe and
delicious Thanksgiving meal.

Tips for Outdoor Cooking and the Ultimate Turkey Experience

* Check to make sure the grill, smoker or fryer is in working order.
* Be sure to read the owner`s manual for safety precautions.
* Stock up on enough charcoal, propane, oil or wood chips needed to cook the
meal.
* Be sure to use the grill, smoker or fryer outside only - never indoors and
make sure that it`s set-up on a flat, stable surface, preferably on a protective
grill pad, and away from any combustible materials.
* Purchase a whole turkey according to the weight recommendations in your
grill`s, smoker`s or fryer`s owner`s manual.
* Thaw the turkey completely and pat it dry. Cook the bird un-stuffed.
* Brine the turkey for increased flavor and moisture.
* Outdoor cooking times depend on many factors: the size and shape of the
turkey, the distance from the heat and the outside air temperature. Allow more
time on cold or windy days and at high altitudes. Allow less time in very hot
weather.
* Have a food thermometer handy to measure the internal temperature of the bird;
the temperature should be 165° F to 170° F in the breast and 175° F to 180° F in
the thigh.

Don`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.

For more recipes and tips on grilling, smoking and frying turkey, visit HPBA at
www.hpba.org or NTF at www.eatturkey.com .

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.

HPBA
Deidra Darsa, 703-522-0086, ext. 129
darsa@hpba.org
or
Fleishman-Hillard
Kristen Ekey, 202-828-8855
ekeyk@fleishman.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009