Be honest, we make too much food at Thanksgiving. We spend all day Wednesday making pies or desserts and all day Thursday cooking for family to come over and spend time with us. The problem is, you don't get to spend time with anyone unless they are in the kitchen helping you cook. Why? Because we have allowed our turkey dinner to become so large that it HAS to take all day to cook.
You don't believe me well let me break it down for you. Here is a meal you would make on a normal night: Chicken (or Pork or Steak, whatever just stay with me here), some type of starchy side like rice or potatoes, a vegetable, and possibly a salad. Maybe dessert, maybe.
Now let me break down Thanksgiving Dinner for you: roasted turkey or ham or prime rib roast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes (either straight up or in casserole form), green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, some type of vegetable in case people don't like green bean casserole (often this is brussel sprouts, but can be corn, peas, or even a salad), rolls, butter, gravy, and pies for dessert (yep, dessert is mandatory on big holidays).
Yes I know, all Thanksgivings are not this big, but many are. And in case you are counting, that is a difference of 6-8 more items you are shopping, prepping, cooking, and later putting away. No wonder we ask for people to bring dishes and don't have time to mingle unless they too are up to their elbows in some sort of food.
Why do we do this? Because we love our families and we want to make them happy. However, how about you? Are you happy during the day or just when it is over?
I say we should simplify our Thanksgiving dinners. Cut out a dish or four and spend more of the day with those you are thankful for. We don't really need that much food in a single meal anyway. Besides think of how much easier it will be to put it away.
No comments:
Post a Comment