So, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what would Thanksgiving
What holiday wouldn’t want to win this lovely piece of hardware?
be without a Daily Gumboot post on it? Thanksgiving is probably my favourite holiday, and, in my opinion wins the ‘war of the holidays’ trophy yet again.
Here are the top 5 ways Thanksgiving fosters community and solidifies it’s first-place-standing both in the ‘war-of-the-holidays’ battle, and in my heart:
1.) Thanksgiving: the holiday where traditions are created and persist for years … and years and years and years
Traditions are really, really important. When the waterless flood/rise of the robots/macrobit meltdown comes and all technological means of communication are destroyed (stay tuned for a rousing – and totally fact-based – article on this), how else will the elements of our culture be passed from generation to generation? My favourite thing about Thanksgiving traditions is how unique they are across families – these special familial traditions remind us of where we have come from, and link past and future generations in a tangible way. My favourite Burtnyk traditions includes the 1-word-collaborative-toast, and the games … so, so many games
2.) Thanksgiving: the healthiest holiday.
Yes, despite the pumpkin pie and the increased intake of food (some may call it ‘gorging’), Thanksgiving may very well be the healthiest holiday. First, it’s very inclusive, which plays an important role in mental health. Some holidays are fairly exclusive: Valentine’s Day being primarily for couples, Halloween primarily for kids and crazy young-folk. Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is for everyone. And when you compare Thanksgiving to Christmas, many studies (including this one conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association) have found that rates of depression increase over the Christmas season.
3.) The Food.
Need I say more? Thanksgiving has traditionally been about giving thanks for a successful harvest (for us Canadians, at least), and as such the celebration revolves around delicious food. And unlike a few unnamed holidays (who definitely weren’t in the running for the trophy), Thanksgiving isn’t based
Kim, your pumpkin cheesecake looks so much better than this
around unhealthy or artificial foods like chocolate or green beer – it’s based on hearty, often-times local, vegetables and meats, which are more often than not home-made. There’s nothing better to get the conversation going than waiting 5 hours for a turkey (well, except for a glass of wine or two, which luckily goes hand in hand with a good ‘ol home cooked Thanksgiving feast!). While we’re on the subject of food, I have to give two shout outs: one to my soon-to-be sister-in-law who makes the most delicious pumpkin cheesecake imaginable, and the other to Erik Smith, executive chef of The Regional Tasting Lounge in Yaletown. Mr. Smith was recently featured on CBC’s The Early Edition, treating our favourite morning host Rick Cluff to a delectable take on the most dubious Thanksgiving side dish: the brussel sprout. Check out his recipe for Braised Brussel Sprouts with Double Smoked Bacon here
4.) Thanksgiving reminds us of those less fortunate
The history of Thanksgiving goes back … way back. There is some contestation as to what the actual ‘beginning’ of the holiday was, but most agree that early explorers who arrived Canada and celebrated accordingly played a role. According to the interscape, one such celebration occurred when French settlers, having crossed the ocean and arrived in Canada with explorer Samuel de Champlain, held huge feasts of thanks, generously sharing food with their Indian neighbours. Thanksgiving reminds us to give thanks for what we have and share with our neighbours, friends, and those less fortunate within our communities. As one of my favourite quotes goes, “How we treat the ‘least’ of beings amongst us determines our humanity” (Author Unknown)
5.) Evading the pit of consumption and commercialization
Most holidays are about stuff. Christmas has become synonymous with presents, and somehow on Valentine’s Day the degree of love between you and your partner is measured by the price tag on the gifts exchanged. Thanksgiving has seemed to evade this trend towards consumption and commercialization, and has remained true to its roots: giving thanks for what we have, through delicious food and scrumptious conversation.
So, I ask you dear Gumboot readers, what are your favourite things about Thanksgiving? Do you have any unique traditions you’d like to share? Any recipes that will show up the amazing heart-attack-in-a-dish brussel sprout creation?
Did you enjoy this post?
May we also suggest:
Fresh Turkey: Breaking Thanksgiving Tradition The emptiness left by a tradition lost can seem much more difficult to fill than that of a hungry belly. But losing one isn’t always an occasion to grieve. It can also be an opportunity to create new experiences that will stand out from the repetition of other holidays and to create something truly memorable and soul filling. Continue reading...
Christmas is a Gumboot What can I say about Christmas and it’s spirit of community that hasn’t already been said? It’s a tough … Continue reading →...
Amazing. You summed up Thanksgiving pretty perfectly, especially Thanksgiving at The Compound in Merville. Thanksgiving is by far and away my favourite holiday for the reasons you listed, and this year promises to be a true gem. Nearly 25 people will cram into our house to participate in some culinary delights that include, but are not limited to, a home-grown meal of potatoes, peas, turnip-and-carrot, yams, turkey, ham, turkey, stuffing (two kinds), brussel sprouts, beets, gravy, cranberry sauce, and at least two kinds of pumpkin desserts. Full disclosure: Uncle John, I love you (you’re my favourite uncle named “John”), but Kim Horn’s Pumpkin Cheesecake will win the Pumpkin Dessert cook-off.
Looking very forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
Love,
John
Youy make a pretty good argument, but more people lile Christmas. There is the same food and same amount of family guests, but you get way more stuff. Kiids especially don’t understand your arguments. How can pumpkin pie compete with a new bike? It can’t.
And everyone knows that volunteering and thinking of the less fortunate happens the most at Christmas time. More is given at that time, too.
And the story of Christmas is also a good one. Whether its true or not its better than champlain and pilgrims!
For these readsons and many more, Christmas is still the best holiday.
- Pete
My favourite thing about Thanksgiving sharing traditions, esp getting my German-born boyfriend to love squash just as much as I do. He’s more used to eating vegetable like kohlrabi and previously thought eating squash was strange! I’ve now convinced him to love squash with this recipe! Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Creamy Sage Sauce
Ingredients to make ~36 Ravioli (6 servings)
1 Butternut Squash, about 2 lbs (2 cups)
1 ½ tsp Herbs de Provence (see below)
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper
¼ tsp cinnamon
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
1/3 cup Cookies, crushed
1 package of Wonton Wrappers
Creamy Sage Sauce
¾ cup (175 ml) Soft Margarine or Butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) Fresh Safe Leaves, torn
OR 2 tsp Ground Sage
½ cup Toasted Walnuts, chopped
? cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
Herbs de Provence
1 tbsp (15 ml) of each: Marjoram, Thyme, Savory
½ tsp (2 ml) of each: Basil and Rosemary
¼ tsp (1 ml) Sage
Tip: The tortellini can be formed, frozen on a baking sheet, transferred to a tightly sealed plastic bag of container and store for up to 6 months. To cook, simple toss the frozen ravioli into the boiling water and cook for 4 minutes.
*Recipe adapted from Giada De Leaurentiis from http://www.foodnetwork.com (I have made a few adjustments to the recipe.)
Directions
1. Preheat oven 425F. Line a baking sheet with foil. Wash and cut butternut squash in half. Bake in oven for 25 minutes or until squash is soft. Let squash cool.
2. Once squash is cool to touch, scoop out flesh (~2 cups) into a bowl. Add spices, cheese, and crushed cookies. Mix to combine.
3. Lay out 6 wonton skins, keeping the remaining skins inside the package. Place 1 tablespoon of squash mixture in the middle of each skin. Dip a pastry brush in a little water and wet the edges of the skin. Gently fold the corners in to the middle, making sure the edges are securely closed and there are no air pockets inside. Place the formed ravioli on a baking sheet.
4. Before laying out another 6 wonton sheets, dry the work surface so the wraps do not stick. Continue until all butternut squash mixture is used. Place the formed ravioli on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Melt the margarine in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
7. Add sage and nuts and let cook until the margarine/butter starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat.
8. Gently place the tortellini in the boiling water and gently stir to ensure they do not stick to the bottom. When they begin to float, they are done (about 3 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, gently spoon the ravioli into a serving bowl. Top with sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Thanks for the shout-out – cheesecake will be delicious (and victorious in the family bake-off). Another reason for Thanksgiving being the best holiday, is the colours. The vivid yellows, oranges, and deep reds are quite the eye candy around this time of year (as opposed to xmas when most things in this part of the country are dead, frosty, and/or really really muddy/wet. I am currently wearing an orange shirt…and I like it!
See you at the dinner table!
xo
Kim (the soon-to-be-sister-in-law)