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What's cookin' on Thanksgiving Day? by Brittany Crutcher
Turkey, gravy, dressing, cranberry sauce and sweet potato or pumpkin pie are traditional Thanksgiving Day fare. But many families put their own twist on the traditional meal, for cultural reasons or just because of family tradition. So let's find out what's cookin' at some MSU students' homes on turkey day. Coming from an African-American background, my family usually adds a southern touch to our Thanksgiving dinners. Turnip greens are a common side dish at our holiday dinner table. This leafy vegetable is picked apart then steamed to perfection. Turnip greens have a peppery taste, but you can always add a little of your favorite hot sauce to spice it up even more. Chitterlings [or chit’lins (pork intestines)] are another southern tradition during the holiday season. Hold your nose because these have a disgusting odor. The smell is so bad that some people cook them outside. The process may take hours because the cook has to go through and scrape out every bit of grit. Although some hate the smell, many love the taste. Kristin Ramus and Maranda Wallace, two freshman here at MSU, come from Caucasian backgrounds. They celebrate the traditional Thanksgiving Day, but each of their families have their own specialties. Ramus' family adds pomegranates to their dinner. She says, “They’re a red fruit filled with seeds that has a sweet-sour taste to it”. This fruit is frequently served during the holidays since the season ends in January. Wallace’s grandmother adds her own personal dessert to the menu. “My grandmother makes a turtle pie which is like a sundae mixed with caramel and nuts which can also be eaten with ice cream.” That sounds mmm-mmm good to me. I’d definitely try out that dessert. Many of us have the luxury of going home for the holidays, but international students in particular often have to fend for themselves. A hospitality business major who asked not to be named will be going home with her roommate for Thanksgiving. “I’m very excited to experience this American tradition. I’ve been learning the reasons why it’s celebrated and how families use the day to give thanks,” she said. "I'm looking forward to eating dinner and going to the parade. After this experience I can go home and tell my friends and family all about it.” Whether you will be enjoying a lifelong tradition or a new experience, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone |
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