In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original religious significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been on offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621.
Today, however, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird—whether roasted, baked or deep-fried—on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate. (History channel website)
Some folks (like at the Culverhouse House) go with a nontraditional Thanksgiving meal, i.e. gumbo, barbecued ribs, grilled chicken wings and whatever everyone else brings for sides and desserts.
We asked our readers for their nontraditional Thanksgiving meals, and we received only one response. But we think you will agree, it’s worth the read.
Deborah Evans Chester
Born and raised in SE Louisiana we had some unusual Thanksgiving dinners, but I think the most unusual was the year we had barbecued goat, baked coon with sweet potatoes, and possum gravy. It was all good. Someone there had a friend along who had grown up in the city…NOLA. When he asked about the food, my cousin told him “Hush city boy and eat your food.” It was hilarious, but the food really was good!
Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at The Webster Parish Journal.
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