Thanksgiving!!!

Hey y’all,

I haven’t been to any new restaurants recently, so instead I’m going to talk about by favorite things to eat at Thanksgiving dinner (’tis the season). I’m gonna try to describe my family’s staple foods as specifically and deliciously as possible!

Turkey

First up is the most essential item, the Turkey. Is there a food that’s more iconic for thanksgiving than Turkey? In my family, The turkey is oven baked and sliced by my grandfather. People always complain about dry turkey, but I’ve rarely had that issue, especially when I put some gravy on it. The turkey definitely isn’t my favorite part of the meal, but it is absolutely necessary to get me in the mood.

Mac N Cheese

My all-time favorite is the Macaroni and Cheese, which my aunt used to make when I was little, but my brother recently took up the mantle and makes some of the creamiest, cheesiest, most flavorful, and — well — best Mac n Cheese that I’ve ever had. The Mac always takes up the largest portion of my plate.

Lamb

I didn’t know until recently that most families don’t eat lamb for thanksgiving dinner, but it’s a classic in my family and probably my second favorite part of the feast. My grandpa cooks this one too, but I plan to learn this year so that I can be the lamb guy from now on. When I tell you that thanksgiving lamb is some of the juiciest, tenderest, and most delicious meat that you can have, you had better believe me.

Mashed Potatoes

Up next is the Mashed Potatoes! These are also a classic and they’re simple and easy to make, but still have so much to add to the meal. My aunt makes these and boy am I glad she does, because she works some magic on those potatoes. I don’t know how she just infuses them with flavor in the way that she does, but whatever it is, it’s a gift.

Collard Greens

What would a balanced meal be if there were no greens? Collard greens to be specific! My granny knows how to make some bomb greens, but I’ve actually learned the recipe and made them myself before. It’s fun, because you have to keep adding new leaves when they shrink down in the pot. I like to see how many I can fit into the pot, but it never fills up! You can also throw a turkey leg in there to add flavor and whatever meat falls off the bone just becomes a part of the dish.

Cranberry sauce + rolls

My number 3 spot definitely goes to the Farmhouse rolls and Cranberry Sauce that my mom and sister make. Alone they’re both great, but together this dynamic duo is undefeated! Imagine a roll as light and fluffy as cotton candy, sweet as honey, and as big as both of your fists put together. Now imagine that, but glazed in a sweet-slightly-sour purple jam made from ripe cranberries. I bet your mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Thanks for reading my long-winded reflection on how much I effing love thanksgiving dinner. I can’t wait to go home in 2 weeks and get induced into this long-awaited food coma!

~Asim~