What’s for Thanksgiving dinner? Food debates

We’re spending Thanksgiving just as a family of four, so you might think we could have a relatively peaceful dinner together. But even at our intimate feast, we might still have to wrestle with the big questions of our time, questions that spark heated conversations at Thanksgiving tables across the nation.

Here are some of the charged topics you might find yourself navigating this year:

Turkey or ham? Whether because of the taste or the fact that it’s a trademarked part of the feast, turkey fans are not willing to budge on this one. Ham fans are firmly in the camp that argues turkey is dry and tasteless and that it’s time to make room on the table for a baked ham.

Sauerkraut—yes or no? Even in Baltimore, where sauerkraut is a tradition among families of German descent (and people who just love sauerkraut), you will find sauerkraut is not universally loved or even served.

Is it called stuffing or dressing? Does anyone still stuff the bird? I’m not sure. Regardless, people either call this stuffing or dressing. This might not require a heated battle. A simple poll will take care of this one. As long as people get enough of the dressing…er, stuffing, they will probably settle down and let this one go.

Pumpkin or apple pie? Few people are lukewarm about pumpkin. They either love it or don’t care for it at all. Can you have Thanksgiving dinner without pumpkin pie? Maybe. Just be careful whom you ask.

Jellied cranberry sauce or whole-berry cranberry sauce? Canned or homemade? Side-step this topic at all costs. You’ll be better off discussing politics, religion, or how to pronounce pecan. Or…well, maybe avoid that, too.

There might be other questions—salted vs. unsalted butter, why isn’t there green bean casserole, where is the mashed rutabaga, or who forgot to buy more whipped cream? Here’s hoping we can all find a reason to feel thankful, enjoy our favorite dish, and make peace with the fact that holidays aren’t about the food; they’re about the love we share and the time we enjoy together.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, and please pass the sauerkraut.

Copyright © 2021 Catholic Review Media

 Print