Turducken Fest Celebrates Ultimate Bird

Nov 3rd 2010 1:18PM / by Nanette Wiser

Never eaten turducken? Never heard of one even? It's not a naturally occurring creature, but rather a culinary creation to marvel at: a turkey stuffed with a duck crammed with a chicken. This delectable Cajun delicacy invaded Thanksgiving and Christmas a decade ago. This weekend, it's celebrated at the 6th Annual Turducken Festival.

You can nibble double-smoked ham tidbits, Dietz and Watson cheeses and holiday treats at Iowa Meat Farms and Siesel's Meat & Deli. You can also sample the turducken and see it crafted from scratch. If this grabs your goose, you can custom order one (three sizes, $60 - $120) at either market for Thanksgiving.

Butcher Richard Vought reveals his process: First, he bones the turkey, duck and chicken and seasons and butterflies each for easy assembly. Then, the turkey is stuffed with sage breadcrumbs, the duck with apple cinnamon stuffing and the chicken with Cajun stuffing. The chicken goes on the duck, the duck on the turkey, and the whole thing gets rolled up, tied, and baked for 8 - 10 hours. "It's the best tasting turkey you have ever eaten," he says.

6th Annual Turducken Festival
Sat - Sun, Nov. 6 - Nov. 7, 11am - 4pm
Iowa Meat Farms, 6041 Mission Gorge Road; 619-281-5766
Siesel's Meats & Deli, 4131 Ashton St.; 619-275-1234