Give Your Turkey Dinner An Island Twist with Pineapple and Cherry

Turkey doesn’t have to be boring and bland! In this article, I’ll share a mouthwatering recipe for turkey breast glazed with honey, pineapple and cherry that will transport your tastebuds to the tropics.

As a home cook who loves trying new flavor combinations, I’m always looking for ways to jazz up familiar dishes. Holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tend to feature predictable roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing – you know the drill. As delicious as these classics are, it’s fun to shake things up sometimes with more adventurous ingredients.

That’s where glazing a turkey breast with sweet and tangy fruits comes in! The addition of pineapple and cherry provides a delightful contrast to the savory turkey meat. Let’s break down how these summery fruits can transform your winter holiday table.

Pineapple Perks Up Poultry

Juicy golden pineapple boasts a vibrant sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with poultry. Turkey and pineapple may seem an unlikely duo at first but their complementary flavors actually enhance one another beautifully.

When roasted, pineapple caramelizes and develops deeper notes of caramelized sugar Its natural acidity also helps cut through the fattiness of the turkey, keeping each bite fresh on the palate

Beyond taste, pineapple offers beneficial enzymes that help digest the protein in turkey. So you get a delicious meal that your body can easily break down and utilize. It’s a win-win!

Cherry’s Sweet-Tart Charm

Like pineapple, cherries add a pleasant ping of acidity along with deep fruity sweetness. Their red juice provides gorgeous color and flavor to a glaze.

I like to use frozen pitted cherries which soften up nicely when roasted. Canned cherries also work well, adding extra liquid to help create a smooth glaze consistency.

Don’t let their petite size fool you – cherries pack a punch! Turkey glazed with a blend of cherry and pineapple becomes an instant conversation starter on your table. The festive red and golden hues also make for a stunning presentation.

Honey Brings It All Together

No fruit glaze is complete without a touch of honey. As a natural sweetener, honey helps unify the pineapple and cherry flavors. It also promotes caramelization, leading to those sought-after sticky glazed bits on the turkey skin.

When choosing a honey, go for a mild variety like wildflower or orange blossom. This allows the fruit flavors to take center stage while the honey plays a supporting role.

You can use whatever honey you have on hand, even basic grocery store brands. Just steer clear of very dark honeys like buckwheat which can overpower the other ingredients.

Roast Your Way to Sweet & Tangy Perfection

To make this showstopping turkey breast, you’ll need:

• 1 (3-pound) bone-in turkey breast
• 2 cups cubed fresh or canned pineapple
• 1 cup frozen pitted dark sweet cherries
• 1⁄4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

The full recipe can be found here, but here’s a quick overview:

• Roast the turkey breast at 350°F for about 1 hour 40 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 165°F.
• Meanwhile, stir together the pineapple, cherries, honey, lime juice and salt in a small bowl.
• Remove turkey from oven, brush with some of the glaze and roast 10 min longer, brushing occasionally with more glaze, until deep golden brown.
• Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze.

It’s that easy to take your turkey from bland to bold with this crowd-pleasing recipe! The glistening glazed exterior and juicy interior are sure to be a hit.

Some Handy Tips

• Look for pineapple and cherries that are already prepped to save time. Many stores sell pineapple spears and frozen pitted cherries. Canned pineapple tidbits also work great.

• For deeper flavor, roast the pineapple and cherries in the glaze mixture before adding to the turkey.

• Skip the salt if your canned pineapple already has added sodium. Taste the glaze before salting.

• Turkey breast cooks more quickly than a whole bird. Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness.

• Letting the cooked turkey rest before carving allows juices to redistribute for moister meat.

• Thinly slice turkey across the grain for tender, easy-to-chew pieces.

A Fruity Twist on Tradition

Part of the fun of cooking is taking a basic recipe and making it your own. While holiday meals often stick to the script, I love breathing new life into familiar dishes like roasted turkey.

By pairing turkey breast with the sweet-tart tropical fruits pineapple and cherry, you give this appetizing bird an exciting island makeover. The glistening glazed exterior provides a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season filled with culinary creativity. Now pass the tropical turkey, please!