A few weeks ago, a client sent me a turducken as a holiday “thank you” gift. Though it’s very much appreciated, it serves 25 which is way too much for our family of three. Instead of roasting it right away, I kept it in the freezer until Christmas when I defrosted it so my large, extended family could all enjoy.

What’s that? You don’t know what turducken refers to? My friend, are you missing out!

A turducken is a deboned chicken stuffed with cornbread stuffing wrapped in a deboned duck, stuffed with cajun sausage stuffing, stuffed inside a turkey rubbed with cajun seasonings. If you haven’t enjoyed one of these tasties, I’m going to insist you save your pennies and invest in this holiday treat for next year. It’s divine.

My family didn’t know what to expect but most were curious. Some folks were afraid it might be too spicy for their delicate palates, while others weren’t sure they wanted to eat a bird stuffed inside of a bird stuffed inside of a bird. I’m happy to tell you everyone thought it was delicious. My Mom has a little reflux issue and couldn’t really take the Cajun seasonings, but, for most of us, it wasn’t spicy in a bad way.

My problems with spicy foods is that the heat overpowers the flavors and all you can taste is heat. The turducken is perfectly seasoned. It’s not spicy in an overpowering sort of way, and I didn’t even find it hot. I found it to be seasoned with the right amount of everything. The sausage stuffing probably was the spiciest part of the dish, but again, more flavor than heat.

On the whole my family and I enjoyed the turducken. My mom even suggested I stay on good terms with this client so he send me another turducken next year. If you ever get a chance to sample a turducken may I recommend you jump at the opportunity. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

Diana’s response: The turducken was delicious. I’m not big on sausage stuffing, but I tried it and it tasted like sausage stuffing. The biggest problem was that we wanted to try the duck and had to dig to find it. According to my husband the duck had an earthy flavor. My sister in law didn’t like the duck part, but the rest of us did. It was still way to much food for all of us, and Deb ran off with the leftovers so we didn’t get cold turducken sandwiches as leftovers darn it. I’m with my mom, stay friends with the client and hope for another one next year. Visually, it’s not as pretty since the bones are out, so it’s kind of a flat turducken. Tastewise, we loved it. Turduckens rock.

Deb’s response to Diana’s response: Darn tootin’ we ran off with the leftovers. I’m all about sharing, but I don’t mind telling you when the sharing is done. We went to my mother in law’s for Christmas and missed out on the leftover love there. You can bet I’m going to make up another turducken dinner tonight complete with smashed potatoes and some steamed broccoli. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Well, at least for another day or so anyway.

A big fat P.S. Our turducken came from Pfaelzer Brothers and comes highly recommended.

Another big fat P.S. Turducken is even better the second time around. Leftovers rock. You know how turkey leftovers are sort of a hodgepodge of turkey bits? Well turducken leftovers (plus stuffings) are sort of a leftover trifecta. The duck, turkey and chicken are all mixed together and make a divine combination. We have more for another night or two as well. My son ate 3 helpings before I cut him off.