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I’m a Turkey Guy

November 20th, 2023 by Kenneth Abrahams

When did this become a debate? When did people start looking at foods other than turkey being the star and centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner? This year, my wife is pushing for lasagna to be added to the festive table. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a good lasagna and I’m not picky about what kind of cheese, meat, or seafood, it all works for me. Not a huge fan of a veggie lasagna, just my personal taste. That being said, I struggle with it being part of a Thanksgiving meal. Does it really go with the traditional sides of stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and creamed onions? 

For better or for worse, I am a turkey guy. Growing up, I always snagged one of the legs. A piece that nobody ever wants. As I got older, I dumped the legs in favor of the thighs. In many households of those that like turkey, the breast meat is held in the highest esteem. Not me, I love the fact that the thighs are far less dry and have a deeper flavor, in my opinion.

Over time, it seems that people are falling out of favor with good old Tom or Tabitha turkey, but they have a bit of history on their side. For those that are unsure of the history of Thanksgiving and the menu, I did some research and found out quite a bit.

The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, probably in November but the exact date is unknown, in Plymouth, Massachusetts and it was a three-day feast celebrated by the Pilgrims, who had settled in the area, and the Wampanoag Native Americans. The meal was a celebration of the successful harvest and a gesture of thanks for the help and friendship of the Wampanoag people. Unfortunately, there are no historical records or menus as to what exactly was served, but according to the great and mighty Google along with ChatGPT below is a list of what more than likely was served at the very first Thanksgiving or so.

The traditional foods eaten at the first Thanksgiving would have included a variety of items that were available in the region and during that season. Some of the foods commonly associated with the first Thanksgiving meal include:

1. Wild game: The Pilgrims and Wampanoag likely consumed venison (deer) and other wild game that was available in the area.
2. Game birds: Wild turkeys and waterfowl like ducks and geese may have also been part of the feast.
3. Seafood: Fish and shellfish were abundant in the Plymouth area, so they would have been part of the feast.
4. Corn: Corn was a significant crop for both the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, and it was likely served in various forms, such as cornmeal porridge or corn on the cob.
5. Squash: Different varieties of squash, such as pumpkins and other gourds, would have been available and used in the meal.
6. Beans: Beans were another staple crop for both groups, and they may have been part of the meal.
7. Berries and fruits: Wild berries and fruits, such as cranberries, may have been included in the celebration.
8. Native herbs and spices: Native herbs and spices would have been used for flavoring the dishes.

The shift to the modern tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States is attributed to President Abraham Lincoln. In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." This Thanksgiving proclamation set the precedent for Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. In 1941, Congress officially established Thanksgiving as a legal holiday and reassigned it to the fourth Thursday in November, which has been the tradition since then.

While turkey was available in North America and was likely part of the early Thanksgiving feasts, it was not necessarily the centerpiece in the way it is today. The shift toward turkey as the quintessential Thanksgiving dish can be attributed to factors such as its affordability, size (large enough to feed a family or group), and its association with special occasions. By the 19th century, roasted turkey had become a common choice for Thanksgiving meals, and it has continued as the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving dinners to this day. Although on some tables it shares the stage with ham and or roast beef.

Yes, I confess I am a big turkey fan and there is nothing better than a turkey sandwich with a little mayo on rye bread. I am not opposed to other foods, even other main courses, being present on Thanksgiving just make sure that the Turkey is there. Often after Thanksgiving my Mom would make Turkey Tetrazzini, a combination of spaghetti, turkey, mushrooms, cream sauce or Campbell’s Mushroom soup, a little grated parmesan cheese and then baked in the oven. A personal favorite of mine.

Regardless of what you choose to eat, Thanksgiving is about so much more than the menu. It is the largest travel period in the USA which means that people travel to spend time with loved ones and family. Growing up, after my grandmother passed away, my grandfather insisted that every year the extended family would get together for Thanksgiving. Like the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe members it was a three-day feast at the very least. Over time, that tradition unfortunately stopped and now our extended family only seems to gather when someone dies.

It is also a time to take stock of what we have. Few people in my orbit or that I know well suffer from homelessness or a lack of food. They do not have to make choices between putting food on the table or gas in their cars to get to their jobs to pay their bills. My family and I are lucky in that respect and try to share the wealth by making donations of food and money to help those that may not be so fortunate. Right around this time, as the weather turns colder, it is a great time to clean out closets and drawers of clothes that are rarely, if ever, worn and donate them to folks that can really use them. It is a great way to celebrate the holiday.

This year my son and I are going to try something a bit different and smoke a turkey. Perhaps in a few weeks I will let you all know how it turned out and share a few pictures. From our FUN Family to yours, we wish those of you that celebrate a very Happy Thanksgiving.

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