Living Outside The Lines: Let Them Eat Turkey!

Did you ever wonder how turkey became the traditional food of the day? I mean, why not pork chops? Lasagna? Chicken noodle soup?

By, Becky J Miller

Today we celebrate a uniquely American holiday. For many families the revelry includes a special menu, the Macy’s Day parade, Dallas Cowboys football, and yes, I know there are other teams playing, decorating the Christmas tree, and spending time together.

While the holiday menus vary from home to home, most include turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Did you ever wonder how turkey became the traditional food of the day? I mean, why not pork chops? Lasagna? Chicken noodle soup?

Perhaps pilgrims dined on turkey that very first Thanksgiving, or perhaps not? Edward Winslow’s account of the 1621 gathering does not specifically mention turkey, but rather “wild fowl” which could have meant ducks or geese. Venison was definitely on the menu that day, most likely served alongside seafood.

Thanksgiving as we know it did not become a national holiday until declared such by President Lincoln in 1863, so what happened during the two hundred year lull? Harvest celebrations were popular in certain areas of the country and occasionally presidents pronounced a day set aside to give thanks, but a traditional menu was not yet established.

Returning to the mysterious origins of turkey as a main course. Alexander Hamilton is credited with the statement, “No citizen of the U.S. shall refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day.” And there you have it folks, for anything the Secretary of the Treasury decrees, so shall it be.  #rhymeintended

Whatever the exact reason turkey became synonymous with Thanksgiving, annually 46 million of them are consumed by 90% of American families on this day alone. Accompanied by all the trimmings, cost of the meal is approximately $50 to feed ten people. Unless one prefers all organic fare, then the cost jumps to $100 for six people.

Surprisingly while Minnesota is the top turkey producing state, Californians score top honors for Thanksgiving Day turkey consumption. Although turkey and all of the trimmings generally leave us stuffed, no holiday feast is complete without dessert.

As a Southern gal, I would expect pecan pie to be the blue ribbon favorite, but apple pie actually takes the top spot with my choice landing at number six! Wedged in between are strawberry, which is also a favorite from the days of after church fellowship at Shoney’s, pumpkin, cherry and blueberry.

Who knew TV dinners were established in 1953 when Swanson had 260 tons of extra turkey following Thanksgiving? Yep. A genius salesman suggested packing the meat in aluminum trays with sides like sweet potatoes. I wonder what Margaret Anderson thought about that dinner simplification?

No matter the holiday’s origins, or the menu choices, may today find you warm, dry, well-fed and spending time with others. 

Until Next Time,

Becky J Miller ~ Warrior Princess

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.