Skip to content

Cherry Gobbler

Origin: UnknownPeriod: Traditional

Cherry Gobbler is a dry-cured meat preparation traditionally associated with turkey or other poultry, distinguished by the incorporation of grenadine syrup as a curing and flavoring agent that imparts a characteristic deep crimson hue and subtly sweet, pomegranate-derived finish to the finished product. As a member of the charcuterie and dry-cured meats classification, it undergoes an extended salt-cure process in which the grenadine acts alongside conventional curing salts to draw moisture from the flesh while simultaneously depositing its complex sugars into the protein matrix. The result is a product notable for its firm texture, jewel-toned coloration, and a balanced interplay of savory and fruited sweetness that distinguishes it from more conventional poultry charcuterie. Its precise geographic origin remains unattributed, suggesting a folk or artisanal tradition that developed outside of formally documented culinary lineages.

Cultural Significance

The origins and cultural context of the Cherry Gobbler are not definitively established in the historical or culinary literature, making it difficult to ascribe the preparation to a specific regional or ethnic tradition. Its use of grenadine as a curing component may reflect the broader tradition of fruit-based preservation techniques common to various folk charcuterie practices across Europe and the Americas, though no authoritative attribution has been confirmed. Further ethnographic or archival research would be necessary to situate this preparation within a coherent cultural or historical framework.

nut-free
Prep20 min
Cook40 min
Total60 min
Servings4
Difficultybeginner

Ingredients

  • Wild Turkey® bourbon whiskey
    2 oz
  • ¾ oz
  • Mello Yello® citrus soda
    oz

Method

1
Select a fresh whole turkey breast or turkey thighs, trim away excess fat and sinew, and pat the surface thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure proper cure adhesion.
15 minutes
2
Prepare the curing mixture by combining grenadine syrup with kosher salt, curing salt (pink salt No. 1), and cracked black pepper in a bowl, stirring until the salt is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform.
5 minutes
3
Coat the turkey pieces thoroughly and evenly with the grenadine curing mixture, massaging it into all surfaces and crevices to ensure full penetration.
10 minutes
4
Place the coated turkey into a non-reactive container or a sealed zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate at 38–40°F (3–4°C) to begin the dry-cure process.
5
Allow the turkey to cure in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days, turning and redistributing the accumulated liquid brine once every 24 hours to ensure even curing and color development.
10080 minutes
6
Remove the cured turkey from the refrigerator, rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess surface cure, and pat completely dry with paper towels.
10 minutes
7
Hang or place the turkey on a wire rack in a well-ventilated cool space or a curing chamber set to 55°F (13°C) and 70–75% humidity, allowing it to air-dry and develop a pellicle for 24 hours.
1440 minutes
8
Once the pellicle has formed and the surface is tacky and deeply crimson, slice the Cherry Gobbler thinly against the grain and serve as part of a charcuterie board.
10 minutes

Academic Citations

No academic sources yet.

Know a reference for this recipe? Add a citation