Since 1621 many other groups from different countries have come to America and have adopted this tradition. And like those original Pilgrims, they bring their own traditions to the table as well.
In our family, Thanksgiving is an event. With about 50 guests this year, our food is both plentiful and diverse. Starting about 10 years ago, my mom began inviting some of our Chinese born relatives to Thanksgiving dinner. They had never been before but embraced the tradition. We would make the traditional Thanksgiving food, which many of our family members had never eaten before, while they provided the Chinese food. And my grandmother and great-uncle would include Cuban dishes as well - just to make sure everyone’s favorites are represented.
This year, we only had one Turkey (down from 3 last year) but supplemented that with a ham and a pork roast. We had the traditional sides - mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn and cornbread. We also had Chinese vegetables, Chinese chicken wings, lo mein, fried wontons and spring rolls. On the Cuban side, we had yellow rice, black beans and tostones. We had both baked potatoes and Spanish yams. Our dinner table is a smorgasbord that represents my family. A mix that seems overwhelming and at odds with each other at first, but finds a way to complement each other. And I am thankful for every one of them.
Every culture and family seems to have their own unique Thanksgiving tradition or food. What unique foods makes it to your Thanksgiving table every year?
