Thanksgiving is one my family’s most cherished holidays. We carefully develop the menu to include a mix of African and American favorites to share at the table. As a Nigerian American, the holiday table is a mash up of culture and tradition. And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t find healthful ways to lighten some dishes.
Last Thanksgiving, my family ordered most of the food from various restaurants and supplemented with a few side dishes. Everyone was worn from the pandemic and we wanted the holiday to focus on what mattered most: everyone being healthy and together.
This year, I’m going all in but with ease in mind. It is my highest value, after all. I plan to make one of the turkeys and most of the side dishes, which I’ll prep ahead. Aunty Chio, my mom’s oldest sister and head family cook, will make her signature cornbread dressing —I asked her to make two pans this year because it’s usually an argument about someone-who-shall-not-be-named eating up all the dressing. I’ll order everything else from our favorite restaurants and bakeries. I once made a full Thanksgiving spread by myself in 2010 and swore to NEVER do that again. The purpose of the holiday is to savor and enjoy both the food and each other’s company. It’s hard to do that after slaving in the kitchen all day.
Here’s our perfect Thanksgiving menu.
SMALL CHOPS (APPETIZERS):
- Mini Meatpies
- Beef Suya
- Garden Vegetables (Cucumbers, Sweet Peppers, & Marinated Onions)
- Garlic Dip
MAIN TINGS:
- Jerk Smoked Turkey
- Herb Roasted Turkey
- Honey Baked Ham
SIDE TINGS:
Starches
- Coconut Jollof Rice
- Creamy Chive Mashed Potatoes (non-dairy)
- Aunty’s Chio’s Signature Cornbread Dressing
- Rosemary Caramelized Sweet Potatoes
Vegetables
- Glazed Brussel Sprouts
- Mom’s Mustard Greens
- Green Beans with Crispy Fried Onions
EXTRA TINGS
- Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
- Cranberry-Orange Sauce dressing
- White Wine Gravy
SWEET TINGS
- Pecan Pies
- Carrot Cake
- Banana Pudding
- Strawberry Cheesecake
I intentionally excluded Mac & Cheese. The fam is like 99.9% lactose intolerant. We never make it and I know it won’t be missed. We’ll gladly choose jollof rice any and every time.
What dish do you look forward to cooking and/ or indulging in this Thanksgiving?