With Thanksgiving approaching on Nov. 28, communities of people come together and often celebrate this occasion with a decorative feast of delicious food. Popular foods for this holiday frequently include turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and pie.
The history of a Thanksgiving feast can be traced back to the autumn of 1621. Although there are not many historical records of what the people ate for the first Thanksgiving feast, the feast most likely included deer meat, wild fowl, corn, beans, squash, nuts, fruits, roots, herbs and seafood, rather than some dishes that are more commonly associated with a Thanksgiving meal.
Over time, the traditional idea of a Thanksgiving meal transformed, and eventually, Americans came to see turkey as the center dish of Thanksgiving.
Turkey, which became popular as a Thanksgiving entrée in the 19th century, was partially because it was a more commonly found bird in North America and large enough to feed a family. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, and by then, turkey was already becoming the main dish of choice. Turkey was a more accessible, affordable alternative that was also good to be served at large gatherings, which helped establish the belief of turkey being the main centerpiece of the meal.
Mr. Morgan says, “For Thanksgiving, I stay home or go out to eat. I would say it’s about 50 percent of staying home with family and the other 50 percent I go out.”
Mr. Morgan adds, “My favorite Thanksgiving food is a London broil, a type of beef that is somewhat like a prime rib. I do not like turkey, so instead I just usually make a London broil or something similar. My other favorite foods are garlic mashed potatoes and gravy.”
Turkey can often be credited today as the traditional star of Thanksgiving dinners, but other foods also hold a special place in the feast. Foods such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, mac and cheese and gravy are classic side dishes that pair well with turkey. Some people also have pie for dessert, whether it be a pumpkin pie, apple pie or pecan pie.
Oftentimes, people of different cultures will incorporate their own traditional foods into the feast or even add their own twist as to how the food is prepared.
Mrs. Boyle says, “I usually prepare the food for Thanksgiving. In my opinion, the best Thanksgiving food is sweet potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce—it is my go-to favorite.”
