CHOW's Thanksgiving Turkey Cake

Whether this Thanksgiving centerpiece incites horror, amazement, or confusion when it’s served, it’s certain to evoke some kind of outburst. Warning: This dish is not recommended for people who require an inch of space between food groups.

Game plan: The mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes can be made ahead. Rewarm them just prior to assembling the cake, so they are easy to spread.

If your attention lapses and the marshmallows happen to burn or catch fire while broiling (this actually happened to us), relax and just blow out the flames. Peel away the burnt marshmallows, leaving the sweet potato layer intact, and start over with a fresh topping of marshmallows.

See more Thanksgiving recipes on CHOW.com!

Step 1: Ingredients

For the turkey layers:

* Unsalted butter, for coating the pans
* 2 pounds ground turkey breast
* 1 cup quick-cooking oats
* 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated on the small holes of a box grater
* 1/3 cup ketchup
* 1/3 cup finely chopped yellow onion
* 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves
* 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
*

For the sweet potato layer:

* 1 pound sweet potatoes
* 1/4 cup whole milk
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
* 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
* Pinch ground mace or nutmeg
* Freshly ground black pepper
*

To assemble:

* About 5 cups or 1 recipe Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, warm
* 1/2 cup cranberry sauce, such as our Cranberry and Citrus Sauce, chilled, excess liquid drained
* 2 1/2 cups Sausage Stuffing, warm
* 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
* Gravy, for serving (optional)

Comments

[Penolopy Bulnick]

That is pretty amazing looking! So delicious!

[Lorddrake]

I made this for thanksgiving last year. It was such a big hit that I think it make take center stage over the turkey this year.

[canida]

This looks awesome! I may try a version from Thanksgiving leftovers.

[canida]

Unfortunately we ran out of mashed potatoes, so no leftover cake for me! I'll settle for admiring yours. ;)

[angelabchua]

This reminds me of the KFC mashed potato bowl. everything all in one bite! i

[ElusiveGreen]

This cake is a lie. Like mine

[schmoopie]

That is nuts!! I love it!!

[james1214]

Super odd.... but I love it... nice and creative. Gonna have to do one soon. Its almost like a super duper thanksgiving meatloaf extravaganza or something.