The Welcome Mat
Don’t be a turkey…try something new this Thanksgiving!
Think only turkey, cranberries and stuffing are served on Americans’ dining tables on Thanksgiving? Think again! Across the country Americans are serving up many unique meals that stretch far beyond the traditional fixings.
In the South, the warmer climate allows for outdoor cooking. Deep-fried turkey, which has started a new trend across the country, is a delicious meal. Though this may seem like a greasy way to enjoy your bird, it actually seals the outside from the oil and keeps the meat inside very juicy. Large deep fryers have hit the market all across the United States, so even if you live in the North, you too can enjoy this southern tradition!
Along with deep-fried turkey, smoked ham, corn bread stuffing and scalloped corn is served in the South. Instead of mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese is offered along with collard greens. Pecan pie is a big favorite, too.
In New England, roast turkey is stuffed with chestnut stuffing. Alongside you can find seafood chowder or butternut squash soup, buttered parsnips, sherried sweet potatoes and succotash.
Many Mexican American families celebrate with a blend of traditional foods. On their dinner tables you might find turkey marinated in garlic and sour oranges, while corn with roasted chiles, tortillas and mango salsa add spice to the meal. Capriotada, a sweetbread pudding made with apples, raisins and pecans, is served for dessert.
A traditional Italian American Thanksgiving meal may include assorted cheeses, olives, shrimp cocktail, antipasto (pasta), chicken soup, meatballs, as well as turkey. Italian pastries and fruit finish the meal.
Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is also celebrated outside of the U.S.!
In Germany, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October with fresh fruits, vegetables and fresh bread presented at the altar at church. A German-American meal may include roast turkey wrapped in bacon, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and hot German potato salad. Dessert is delicious plum cake.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, express gratitude and reflect on spiritual things. Whether you’re continuing an old tradition, or beginning a new one, why not try to add a new dish to your Thanksgiving feast this year!
Do you serve an unusual Thanksgiving dish? Tell us about it.