Partner content from Gayle’s Chocolates.
Thanksgiving dessert does not have to be pie alone. At Gayle’s Chocolates in Cottonwood, the chocolate turkey pinata has become a centerpiece that guests talk about long after the table is cleared.
With Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, now is the time to plan the table. This post walks through the turkeys described in Gayle’s Thanksgiving collection, what is inside each one, and how to serve it.
What is inside a chocolate turkey pinata
The large Chocolate Turkey Pinata is 7 to 7.5 pounds of dark, milk and white chocolate marbled into a thick shell. It stands 10 inches tall, and the inside is the fun part.
- Look for truffled drumsticks, chocolate wishbones, chocolate acorns and maple leaves.
- Expect caramel corn and pastel chocolate cherries mixed into the stuffing.
- Plan on a crowd, because the shell itself is solid, marbled chocolate.
Gayle’s describes the large turkey as a way to “start a new holiday tradition that will be remembered for years to come.” The product page marks it as limited availability, so order early.
Pick the right size for your table
Not every gathering needs a 7-pound bird. Gayle’s makes several turkey sizes, so a small dinner and a big family table can both have one.
- Choose the Small Turkey Pinata for a smaller table: 1.5 to 2 pounds of marbled chocolate, 7.5 inches tall, stuffed with wishbones, acorns, white chocolate corn, maple leaves and pastel cherries.
- Pick the Medium Chocolate Turkey Centerpiece for a solid bird: over a pound of semisweet chocolate swirled with white chocolate, six inches tall.
- Add a Chocolate Turkey for Individual Place Setting at each seat; each is 3-1/2 inches tall and packed with foiled leaves.
Sizes and descriptions above come straight from each product page. Check the pages for current availability and shipping notes before you order.
How to serve it
A pinata is meant to be opened. Gayle’s gives two simple ways to get to the “stuffing.”
- Smash the shell open at the table for the big reveal.
- Remove the bottom instead if you would rather keep the turkey standing.
- Set out a platter so guests can share the shell pieces and the treats inside.
Those serving tips are from the Chocolate Turkey Pinata page. For dates and delivery questions, see Gayle’s shipping information, which notes the shop does not ship on Thanksgiving Day.
Round out the Thanksgiving table
A turkey pinata is the star, but a few smaller pieces make the dessert table feel complete. Gayle’s makes everything by hand, so each piece looks a little different.
- Set a place-setting turkey at each seat so every guest has a treat to take home.
- Add a 4-pc. Truffle Assortment with milk chocolate, semisweet, raspberry and white truffles for guests who want a small bite.
- Bring the kids in on the reveal and let them help open the pinata.
Gayle’s About page says each recipe is still the same as it was in 1979, and “everything is still made and packaged by hand.”
Plan your Thanksgiving centerpiece
If a chocolate turkey pinata sounds like your table, browse the Thanksgiving collection or call Gayle’s Chocolates at 1 (888) 761-2626. If you need it by a certain date, ask the team when you order.
About the author
Gayle’s Chocolates was started by Gayle Harte in 1979 and now makes small-batch, handmade chocolate at its shop at 541 N. Main Street in Cottonwood, Arizona. Learn more at Gayle’s Chocolates.
