- US. Why do we have turkey on Thanksgiving?
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If you're planning your Thanksgiving menu, we can offer you some traditional ideas and inspiration for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
Our suggestions include a simple roast turkey recipe with butter, salt, and pepper, cooked to perfection for about four hours. Stuffing is a key element, and three stuffing recipes with pecan, cornbread, or chestnut are suggested.
Creamy mashed potatoes are a must, while additional side dishes could include a classic green bean casserole, a Southern corn casserole or a sweet potato casserole with or without marshmallows.
The menu could also feature honey-glazed Brussels sprouts, a flavorful dish with charred vegetables, honey and balsamic vinegar.
Cranberry sauce, a vital component of holiday meals, is highlighted with a simple recipe and alternative variations such as sour and spicy cranberry and apple sauce or cranberry and orange sauce.
Why are we eating turkey on Thanksgiving?
In the 19th century, turkey gained popularity as a Thanksgiving dish due to its abundance, easy availability for slaughter on family farms, and the practicality of feeding an entire family with a single turkey.
The association of turkey with holiday meals was solidified by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" and Sarah Josepha Hale's novel "Northwood" in 1827, describing a New England Thanksgiving with a roasted turkey. Hale, a Thanksgiving advocate, succeeded in her campaign for a national holiday, and President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving in 1863.
This association of Pilgrims, turkeys, and Thanksgiving became ingrained in American culture, forming a national mythology around the holiday.
Despite the wild turkey's endangerment in the early 20th century, conservation efforts and modern breeding practices have led to their resurgence, ensuring the continued affordability and presence of turkeys on Thanksgiving tables.
This year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 23, following the tradition of always falling on the fourth Thursday of November each year.