Serves me right for not living in the US, I guess. But I’ve just become aware of what many online den-izens are referring to as a Holiday classic which is back for the ‘non-Holidays’… It’s Publix’s Turkey Cranberry Special…
Wow… I couldn’t take my eyes off the glam promo photo of this simple but luxe sammy (imediately above). Just thinking about the flavour makes my mouth water. And there’s even a touch of my own family tradition in there – a nice slather of Cranberry Orange Relish.
What’s in it?
The PTC proves beyond doubt that the ‘keep it simple’ manifesto still reigns supreme. Just 5 ingre-dients: roasted turkey breast, mayonnaise, cranberry-orange relish, bacon, and smoked Gruyère cheese. Plus a couple of ‘trademark’ trimmings that all add up to near-perfection…
In theory, there could be a lot more ‘smoke’ in the sandwich than there actually is. But what’s there is perfect. Putting smoke on any additional ingredients – the turkey, for instance, or the bacon – would overwhelm the overall flavour profile.
What else makes it so special?
Two ingredients, in particular, elevate this otherwise old-school classic above the crowd: The Smoked Gruyère Cheese is a glorious flavour ‘foil’ for the plain Roasted Turkey. But I think it’s the ‘everything’ seasoned bun that brings the whole sammy together for me.
I relish the Relish!
And that Cranberry Orange Relish…
… Is a beloved flashback to my younger days. I’d left home to work in a distance city, but I always I knew I was back for the Holidays’ when my stepdad’s Cranberry Orange Relish – with its shot glass full of Brandy – appeared on the family Feast table.
My take
Without destroying the beauty and elegance of the ‘simplicity’ angle on this dish, I would humbly like to point out that I would give it a twist and a tweak by adding some shredded Romaine Lettuce and a few thin slices of vine-ripened beefsteak Tomato. Because if it truly is ‘Christmas in July’ (as the news release suggests), that calls for a bright red colour element. And Tomatoes, which are in high season where I live, deserve to be showcased wherever and whenever possible. Likewise the Romaine. Although my primary goal in adding it is not so much flavour-oriented, but to give the whole stack a nice, contrasting green element.
One last thought… If you feel there’s even the slightest chance you’ll break your ‘bacon allowance’ commitment in the coming few weeks or months – do it while committing an official gesture of excess with a PTC copycat. Anytime between now and the Yuletide Fall Holidays ‘climax’!
~ Maggie J.