Thanksgiving, a holiday deeply rooted in American tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s a time to express gratitude, indulge in delicious food, and spend quality moments with loved ones. But what exactly does Thanksgiving mean? The answer is as diverse as the people who celebrate it.
Thanksgiving, as the name implies, is about giving thanks, first and foremost. It’s a day to reflect on the blessings in our lives and express appreciation. However, how people choose to celebrate this gratitude can vary dramatically, illustrating the beauty of individuality.
For most, Thanksgiving conjures Norman Rockwell-like images of families gathered around a table, indulging in a hearty turkey dinner. Yet, the concept of modern-day family extends well beyond blood relations. Many people spend this day with their chosen family — close friends, colleagues, or those who offer warmth and support.
One of the charms of Thanksgiving is the freedom to celebrate it as you see fit. While a traditional roast turkey is usually the star of the feast, others opt for unique, unconventional dishes that hold personal meaning. Take, for example, my sister-in-law’s family that serves filet mignon and lobster. I have another Italian friend who forgoes the turkey and makes a rich and cheesy lasagna.
In essence, Thanksgiving is not about the specific menu or the number of relatives gathered around the table. It’s about the love, camaraderie, and appreciation that permeate the day, regardless of whom you choose to share it with or what’s on your plate.
Amid the diverse celebrations and unique dishes, there are, however, two traditions that unite us all: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the National Dog Show.
As a child, my mom would put the turkey to cook low and slow overnight. One of my favorite memories is waking up on Thanksgiving morning, the whole house filled with the aroma of roast turkey, and settling in on the couch to watch the parade. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, now in its 97th year, has captured the imagination of millions for almost a century. With its iconic balloons (Snoopy is my favorite) and marching bands, year after year, it enchants viewers of all ages. I may be turning 47 this month, but I still cry every year when Santa comes out at the end.
Equally, The National Dog Show has become another staple of Thanksgiving Day. It’s a showcase of canine beauty, agility and grace. Every year, we hope our dogs’ breeds (short-haired dachshund and Australian cattle dog) will win. Since we’ve been watching, it has never happened; maybe this will be the year. These traditions, although unrelated to the historical origins of Thanksgiving, have become ingrained in the very fabric of the holiday.
In the hustle and bustle of modern, digital life, it is easy to forget the essence of Thanksgiving. It’s not just a day to make and eat delicious food or watch parades; it’s a day to pause and count our blessings. It’s a day to appreciate the people who enrich our lives and the experiences that make us who we are.
For some, Thanksgiving is a day of quiet reflection, a time to volunteer and give back to the community. For others, it’s a day of time-honored recipes, loud laughter, and copious amounts of wine and food. The true meaning of Thanksgiving lies in the connections we forge, the gratitude we express, and the love we share.
So, when someone tells you that they’re spending Thanksgiving with their chosen family, savoring a mouthwatering lasagna instead of turkey, remember that Thanksgiving is not a one-size-fits-all celebration. It’s a day where diverse traditions, unique dishes, and personal expressions of gratitude are all part of the tapestry that makes this holiday so special.
In the end, the meaning of Thanksgiving is incredibly diverse. It’s a reminder that gratitude takes many forms, and the true essence of this day is to celebrate it in a way that resonates with your heart, surrounded by those who matter most to you. So, as Thanksgiving approaches, embrace the variety of celebrations, relish the unique dishes, and enjoy the laughter. And, of course, don’t forget to tune into the parade. Come on, Snoopy!
And so, with that in mind, here are a few unique recipes to celebrate the holiday.
BREAKFAST COOKIES
On Thanksgiving morning, I like to serve these healthful breakfast cookies. They can be made ahead of time, are perfect for a crowd, and are filling enough to get you through the morning while you watch the parade.
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup nut butter (such as almond, peanut, etc.)
1/4 cup pure honey
1/3 cupunsweetened applesauce
1 large banana mashed
1/2 cupdried cranberries
1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans
Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet
with parchment paper. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, and
mix until well-combined. The dough will be rather thick and heavy.
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mounds of cookie dough onto
the prepared baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten
each mound into a cookie shape. These cookies do not spread much
in the oven.
Bake for about 16-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 15 minutes, then transfer
them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store these cookies at room
temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
PUMPKIN PECAN BREAD PUDDING WITH BOURBON SYRUP
Next up is a pumpkin pecan bread pudding with bourbon syrup.
Ingredients:
For the bread pudding:
1 loaf of French bread
2 cans of condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 can of pumpkin (15 oz)
4 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
¼ teaspoon of cloves
¼ teaspoon of ginger
2 cups of whole pecans
For the syrup:
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup of bourbon
Pinch of salt
Directions: First off, this dessert is best made 1-2 days before, making it perfect for Thanksgiving. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13” pan. In a large bowl, tear the bread into small pieces. Add the evaporated milk, condensed milk, and allow it to soak for about 30-40 minutes, until the bread is soft. Then, add the canned pumpkin, eggs, vanilla, salt, spices, and pecans, mixing until just combined; do not overmix. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (your oven time may vary). Allow the pudding to cool completely.
Prepare the syrup by boiling the sugar and water until dissolved, which should take about 5-7 minutes. As with any sugar syrups, use extreme caution, as it will be incredibly hot. Allow the syrup to cool completely, and then add the bourbon and salt, mixing well. Pour the syrup over the cooled pudding. Keep the assembled bread pudding in the fridge until ready to serve. This dessert can be served in squares or cut into small individual squares and placed on wrappers.
ASIAN TURKEY LETTUCE WRAPS
Next is a great idea for all the leftover turkey after the holiday. After all the heavy eating, it’s a light and refreshing dish perfect for lunch with visiting family.
Ingredients:
Leftover cold turkey cut into strips
Pickled ginger (I get mine from DeLand Asian Market on Woodland)
Shredded carrots
Romaine lettuce leaves
For the dipping sauce (makes 3 servings):
¼ cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of seasoned white rice vinegar
1 teaspoon of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
Directions: To assemble, place 4 lettuce leaves on each plate. Then, place 3-5 slices of pickled ginger on each leaf, and add a small amount of shredded carrots. Finally, top it with the turkey strips.
For the dipping sauce, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and divide them equally into ramekins. If needed, the sauce can be multiplied for more servings.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story included an error in the pumpkin pecan bread pudding recipe — there wasn’t any pumpkin! This recipe has been corrected.
