Thoughts about the Thanksgiving Meal

I have to admit, I'm not a huge sucker for the Thanksgiving meal as it's traditionally prepared. I like a slice or two of turkey, but that's it. I don't like gravy. I don't like cranberry sauce. I don't like pumpkin pie.

I do enjoy the things like stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc., but to be honest, if it's not my mother's recipe for stuffing, I'm probably good with one scoop. Mashed potatoes, one scoop. I usually enjoy the vegetables (green beans or broccoli are usually available). But in general, I don't indulge too much for the meal.

Now, what I'm talking about is both "generic" Thanksgiving meal, and the meal we currently attend. For the past 3 or so years, Robert and I have been invited to join his cousin's family, about an hour from us. They put on a great meal, but it's different than the one I grew up with. Some challenging temptations at their house are the fresh rolls, the homemade apple butter and apple pies from their own orchard bounty.

It's different than the Thanksgiving I grew up with... up to 20 people or so at Aunt Jeanette's house, with appetizers like 7 layer Mexican bean dip, chopped liver, tons of cheese and crackers, and a few more temptations for an hour before dinner's even served. Then dinner, not only the traditional turkey, but the sides of my mother's stuffing, my mother's sweet potatoes with marshmallows and pecans, my mother's turnips, various extra vegetables, Cousin Terry's mashed potatoes, and Cousin Jackie's multiple pies, and the chocolate with mocha frosting cake... a tradition to celebrate the various late November birthdays, with ice cream, of course. Ohhh... that cake... I've never mastered making that frosting, but I have the recipe, and hope someday to be a success. This is a feast. It is a day of eating that starts around 2 and ends around 7:30 or so... and one thing is better than the next.

Of course, some of the temptation is because the food is fantastic -- we've got a family full of great cooks. But honestly, some of the temptation is just because "that's what you do on Thanksgiving". I'm not sure why it became a day where you're some where between permitted and obligated to consume a week's worth of calories, but it is. And it's a day where everyone prepares recipes using the full butter, heavy cream, all the sugar and fat, because, after all, it's a special occasion... we can splurge for one day!

So, this year, though I miss spending the time with my family, I'm grateful to be away from all those amazing temptations that I associate with growing up and celebrating with my family. Fact is, my folks live in Florida now, and don't attend the family Thanksgiving anymore. So, by definition, even if I went to Long Island for this year's meal, it wouldn't be the same. All in all, it should be easy to go through this meal enjoying some very good food, in moderation, a taste of everything, and an indulgence in nothing.

I hope all of you are able to find some balance in your meals today... get your fill in quality time with family and friends, and enjoy a few tastes here and there.

Happy Thanksgiving, and Thanks for Reading!