Take a bite out these baked turkey legs and be immediately transported to a warm summer evening at the state fair.

Any state fair is a hub for fun; complete with rides, games and, of course, the world-famous food simply known as fair food. What goes into making food at the fair can be summed up with one word: creation. Shortly after county fairs became mainstream in the United States, an idea to complement fairgoers’ experiences with special food followed suit. Today, at every fair across the country, there are food trucks and stands that offer their artistic and off-the-wall culinary creations to anyone feeling in the mood for a little something outside of their daily diet. From deep-fried macaroni and cheese balls to deep-fried Kool-Aid on a stick, everything and anything exists at the fair.

However, traditional recipes are also offered at America’s fairs. These recipes are popular main-course dishes, but include a certain something that makes them true fair food.

Turkey legs are a prime example, making for a very filling main course that provides great flavor and hours of a full stomach. This turkey leg recipe offers a traditional dish with a state fair twist.

This recipe was adapted from foodnetwork.com

County Fair Turkey legs

Servings: 3-5

Total Cook Time: 90 minutes

1 liter lemon-lime soda

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 onion, chopped

½ cup salt

1/8 cup pepper

1/8 cup garlic powder

3 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 425 F. Combine sugar, hot sauce, red pepper flakes and onion in a large pot with boiling lemon-lime soda and simmer on low heat. Add in both turkey legs, and boil for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the seasoning. Take the ½ cup of salt, 1/8 cup of pepper and 1/8 cup of garlic powder, mix thoroughly and set aside.

Once boiled, place turkey legs on baking sheet. Baste the legs in honey and coat with the seasoning. Place in the oven for approximately 60 minutes, occasionally turning legs over if needed, until the legs appear golden brown in color. A very trusty indicator of whether the leg is fully cooked is to periodically check the temperature. The magic number is 165 F. When the legs reach this point and the juices run clear, they’re done.

Allow to cool for about 10 minutes. For best results, serve with sides such as onion rings, French fries or tater tots, and provide choices of dips like barbecue sauce or ranch.

Cody Powell-McClintick can be reached at [email protected]