Savor the Worldly Flavors of Thanksgiving

Since Thanksgiving was first celebrated in America in 1621, many other cultures have added their own flavorful spin to the celebration, making it into a veritable melting pot of delicious flavors. Here are just a few examples:

• Poland: In addition to turkey, many Polish American families serve kielbasa, meatballs in mushroom gravy, pierogi and other favorites.
• Hawaii: Thanksgiving turkey is frequently cooked in an imu, an in-ground oven, or marinated in the Chinese Char Siu style with red beans, honey and soy sauce.
• Africa: The turkey is typically heavily spiced and couscous might take the place of mashed potatoes. Collard greens with bacon is a popular side dish.
• China: Many Chinese families celebrate Thanksgiving by going out for dim sum and choose bao, soft dough-filled buns, over the traditional pumpkin pie. Roast duck is also a common dish on Chinese Thanksgiving tables.
• France: Roasted guinea hens are a nod to the traditional cuisine of rural France.
• Italy: The turkey stays front and center on many Italian tables, but it might be seasoned with a more traditional seasoning blend, such as juniper berries, rosemary and sage. Sausage stuffing is also popular.
• Mexico: On many tables, a suckling pig replaces the traditional turkey.

Why not ask your residents how their families put their own personal spin on Thanksgiving? You might come up with some great new dishes to try!