Its not uncommon to want to give ones children everything lacked in ones own childhood. I know Im not alone in trying to overcompensate for what I did not have in my early years. What were holidays like for you, and how does that influence your celebrations now? My mother and I depended on the hospitality of others at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She never learned to cook, and turkey was too expensive anyway. Before the age of 10, I was not unfamiliar to hunger regardless of the season.
On the holiday occasions when we visited friends from church, and gathered at their tables, the feast was especially meaningful to me. We were sharing more than just food. I felt cared for, something most young children take for granted. Im glad that my children havent experienced the sort of deprivation I did in my earliest years. For them, holidays have always been a time to indulge the senses, while surrounded by loved ones.
When I was a child, we learned that Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival where the Pilgrims and Native Americans set aside their differences to celebrate together. Its a lovely sentiment, but the New York Times published an article a couple of years ago dispelling many myths about the American holiday. Apparently Everything You Learned About Thanksgiving Is Wrong.
To begin with, we were taught that the Pilgrims came to the New World seeking religious freedom. In actuality, they sought to create a theocracy as well as an opportunity to make money. They succeeded in both. I do not recall, during my primary school education, being taught that Squanto was sold into slavery after the English captured him in 1614. This was his thanks for helping the Pilgrims by showing them the best places to fish and the most effective method of planting corn.
Possibly the most common misconception is that the Pilgrims extended an invitation to the Native Americans for helping them reap the harvest. The truth of how they all ended up feasting together is unknown.
The English-written record does not mention an invitation, and Wampanoag oral tradition does not seem to reach back to this event, Ms. Sheehan (spokeswoman for the Plimoth Plantation) said. But there are reasons the Wampanoag leader could have been there, she said, adding: His people had been planting on the other side of the brook from the colony. Another possibility is that after his harvest was gathered, he was making diplomatic calls.
It is true that the celebration was an exceptional cross-cultural moment, with food, games and prayer.
The deadly conflicts that came after, though, created an undercurrent that is glossed over, Mr. Loewen (sociologist and author) said. Still, we might as well take shards of fairness and idealism and so on whenever we find them in our past and recognize that and give credit to them, he said.
Written by Maya Salam, November 21, 2017 (see above link for full article)
Did you know that there is no mention of turkey being served at the first Thanksgiving? Nor was there pie. Venison was more likely to have been on the menu. Regardless, every family has their own traditions and recipes, which embody the spirit of the holiday, and authenticity is secondary.
Im suggesting adding Butternut Squash Soup as a starter this year. Check out this recipe by the Happy Pear. Its suitable for vegans. Even the picky eaters like it at my house because of the natural sweetness.
Tins of pumpkin are not available where I live in Ireland, but I dont mind because Ive always disliked Pumpkin Pie. Instead I make Chocolate Pecan Pie. The recipe Im sharing is from the cookbook A Paradiso Year: Autumn and Winter Cooking. I also own the companion book for Spring and Summer. Id recommend buying both, especially if youre aspiring to be a seasonal cook.
Although Thanksgiving isnt celebrated in Ireland, Ive tried to keep the tradition alive within my family. When my kids were in primary school Id let them have the day off, and their dad would stay home from work. Sometimes wed invite American friends to join us for the traditional meal. Over the years Ive also attended potlucks hosted by other Americans.
Last Sunday a friend of mine invited us over for a small gathering. There was so much food and everything was delicious! I was reminded of times past when my mothers friends extended their hospitality to us. Ive hosted every Christmas for the last 20 years. As a result, I felt so grateful being served a turkey that I didnt have to cook myself! I love the holidays, but its a lot of work for me.
While we ate and made conversation, my friend and remarked that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday, and I agreed. Although its similar to Christmas, the absence of gifts somehow makes it more enjoyable. We puzzled over this and she suggested that theres too much pressure associated with Christmas. Once again simplicity seems to be best. During Thanksgiving the emphasis is on being grateful for family, food, and for what you already have.
Which brings me to Black Friday. Ive come across several posts where people are preparing and getting excited for the big day. The phenomena began after Id already moved to Ireland, so I dont have any firsthand experiences of what its like in America. While my oldest son was living in Ohio a few years ago, he and my bonus mom went to Walmart on Black Friday just to see what it was like. He couldnt get over the melee and had never seen anything like it! To his young adult eyes, it seemed like people had lost the run of themselves in an aggressive shopping frenzy: carts piled high with stuff bought on impulse because of the reduced price, people fighting over stuff they didnt really need. All of this just one day after a national holiday of giving thanks.
One post I read recently alluded to cutting coupons and scouring the papers in preparation for the annual event. I would hate for my Thanksgiving Day to be dominated by consumerism. I really just dont get it. I love a bargain as much as anyone, but theres no way Id get out of bed at 4:30 in the morning just to go shopping and face those sorts of crowds.
What about you? If youre in America, will you be taking part in the Black Friday chaos? Im sure my opinion isnt a popular one; even in Ireland were starting to see more and more Black Friday marketing. While Ill probably avail of online discounts, I will only purchase items already on my list for Christmas- no impulse spending here this year as we embrace the principle of less is more!
However you choose to celebrate, Id like to wish my American friends a very Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! If you try either of the recipes Ive shared, let me know how they turn out. The Pecan Pie is served with vanilla ice-cream, and Ive also made the darling clementines soaked in Irish whiskey and cinnamon syrup featured in the cookbook mentioned.
Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 175g light muscovado sugar
- 150g maple syrup
- 3 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon cream
- half teaspoon vanilla extract
- 70g dark chocolate
- 250g pecan halves
- 1 pastry case, blind baked (use frozen or make your own)
Directions: Gently heat the sugar and maple syrup until dissolved. Boil for 2 minutes, then leave it to cool a little. Beat the eggs, egg yolk, cream and vanilla gently, then beat in the syrup mixture. Melt the chocolate and stir it in.
Roughly chop two-thirds of the pecans and scatter them over the base of the prepared pastry case. Pour the custard over and arrange the remaining pecans n top. Bake at 200 degree C/ 400 degree F for ten minutes, then at 175 degree C/ 340 degree F for 30 minutes until the centre is just set. Leave the tart to cool before slicing. (Denis Cotter, author)
*Note: Follow the baking instructions precisely. I have a fan assisted oven and for the first time this pie did not turn out well last weekend. It looked burned on the outside, but the center was a gooey mess. We were running behind and short on time so I only cooked it for 25 minutes at 180 degree C. Usually this pie turns out wonderfully and everyone wants the recipe. Good luck!
Photo Credit: Debby Hudson
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