Thanksgiving Dinner - Transcript
Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends gather to share delicious foods. The centerpiece of a traditional Thanksgiving in the United States and Canada is roasted turkey. With the exception of Christmas, roast turkey is rarely eaten in most households, so it is considered a special treat.
At Thanksgiving dinner, turkey is served with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. In general, Thanksgiving dinners are made from ingredients native to the Americas, including yams, pumpkin and cranberries.
It is common for people to eat huge amounts of food at Thanksgiving, far more than they would for a regular meal. In fact, it’s not unusual for a person to consume as much as three or four thousand calories during the course of the dinner.
Thanksgiving Dinner - Video
Thanksgiving Dinner - More Information
Thanksgiving Dinner: A Special Feast
Each year as November comes to an end, families across the United States gather around tables to give thanks and celebrate with a special dinner. This tradition of Thanksgiving dinner not only serves as a celebration of food but also has deep cultural significance for many people.
The Turkey: Centerpiece of Thanksgiving Dinner
At the heart of every Thanksgiving dinner is the roasted turkey. It is a symbol of abundance and sharing. The turkey reminds people of the historical roots of the Pilgrims and Native Americans breaking eating together during the first Thanksgiving feast. Roast turkey is more than just a tasty dish, it connects us to the history of the early days of settlement, when people from Europe first encountered the Native American peoples Indians.
Savory Side Dishes
Thanksgiving dinner is more than just the turkey, there are numerous side dishes the complete the meal with unique flavors. Mashed potatoes, carrots, corn, yams, and gravy, each dish adds something to the meal. Stuffing, a savory blend of herbs, bread, and aromatic vegetables, is an ancient recipe that has been passed down through generations. Cranberry sauce provides sweet and tart flavors that are quite different from the other parts of the meal.
Pumpkin Pie: A Sweet Ending
No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without the grand finale—a pumpkin pie. It may sound unusual to those who have never tried it, but pumpkin pie is a perfect blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, ginger and a grating of nutmeg. These spices create a unique flavor that is very suitable for the autumn season.
Family, Gratitude, and the Thanksgiving Dinner Table
Beyond the tastes of Thanksgiving dinner is a special tradition that brings family and friends together to express gratitude for the many blessings of the year. The act of sharing a meal is a communal experience that fosters a sense of unity and appreciation. The table is the place where people pause to consider their good fortune during the past year.
Is Thanksgiving celebrated in your country? Is there a similar holiday? What kinds of food do people eat. Write in the comments below.