Different Ways We Give Thanks
It’s that time of year again. Time to find the perfect turkey or maybe even try something less traditional like lamb, goose, or even go all vegetarian. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and while we don’t celebrate for three days anymore like the Pilgrims did - we still stress out, freak out, cook and do more than one load of dishes. The holiday season will be here before you know it. It’s better to plan now than stress out later.
For Thanksgiving we often serve what our mothers made, we prepare the same dishes that our grandmothers brought when we were kids - we often play it safe. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole all topped off with a slice or two of pumpkin pie - ya know the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Many Americans would say the meal is “incomplete” without cranberry sauce, stuffing or dressing, and gravy. Other commonly served dishes include winter squash, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dumplings, corn on the cob or hominy, deviled eggs, green beans or green bean casserole, peas and carrots, bread rolls, cornbread or biscuits, and a salad. For dessert, various pies are often served, particularly apple pie, mincemeat pie, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate meringue pie and pecan pie, with the last four being particularly American.
It seems like every family has their own Thanksgiving traditions and standard recipes. Some families gather around the table and share thanks while looking towards the new year, other families watch the game, some gather many different generations for the grand feast and many people head out the closest Cracker Barrel - the parking lot is always packed. I just can’t image the line.
Food remains to the be the main focal point - often our menu grows stale. This year two new restaurants joined the Columbus dining ranks - one brand new and another reopened after finding a new home due to the Commons demolition. What better way to add something new to your holiday menu than serving up local chef favorites?
Both submitted easy to follow recipes that will be joining my favorite dishes this year. Take a look and learn to prepare something new or Aunt Sally can always bring her sausage surprise - you know what a hit that was last year
