I am very thankful... and I love Thanksgiving.
My husband loves to cook, and he is amazing at doing so! Thanksgiving is our holiday of comfort food, spending family time together and - of course - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Thanksgiving used to be hectic. We would rush from my family's dinner to Chad's family's dinner. We had no time to relax and catch up, and frankly, it was pretty exhausting.
I'm not judging anyone who currently goes through this schedule on Thanksgiving... unfortunately, it's become quite "normal" for the holiday. And some of my friends even enjoy the hustle, bustle and rush.
Growing up, Thanksgiving dinners included turkey, mashed potatoes, and naturally, green bean casserole. However, as I grew older and enjoyed more interesting side dishes, I began to wonder why sometimes people fall into habits of the menu. Do they get lazy? Are they afraid to try something new? Would it destroy the timeline to have everything on the table at once? Do they enjoy cooking or has it become just a labor that they do?
Since there are three of us, we don't have to buy the "big bird." Chad buys a turkey breast, de-bones it (I swear, I am also thankful I did not grow up on a farm!) and stuffs it. The favourites are smoked gouda, proscuitto and asparagus. Honestly, I don't know what any of our grandmothers think about this. My maternal grandma ate it with us one Thanksgiving and did say that it was good... but I know our families think we're a little "fancy" with food sometimes.
So here's the thing - I challenge any Thanksgiving hosts/hostesses out there to try something new this holiday. I'm not saying to alter your entire feast menu - but just one new side dish. It helps you celebrate thankfulness and fun for the holiday. And if it doesn't turn out to be a hit, pitch it and grab a can or two of green beans.
Don't get to cook for the dinner? Bring a new dessert... or shake things up with a cocktail or bottle of wine.
Thanksgiving is about fun and family. How can you change your "menu" and enjoy celebrating all that we have with those that you love?
You are sooo right. Do we celebrate for what we are thankful by using other people's traditions or what fits the norm. I'm German and would rather celebrate Thanksgiving with a big plate of Rouladen, spaetzle and red cabbage than turkey and dressing, but the family would freak.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for commenting, Chef Kevin!
ReplyDeleteI'm disappointed that you don't feel your family would support your influence and your talent. However, I understand fully that resistance to alter traditional, expected dishes. I hope that you'll be able to slowly implement your own creations into future family gatherings.
Happy holiday greetings to you!