by Kevin Schwendeman

Created on: October 15, 2009

Looking to spice up your Thanksgiving meal? Trying to find ways to define your own traditions? Then look no further than the first Thanksgiving meal shared by the Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. Though certainly the standard turkey was on the menu, many of the items we typically feast on were not. By focusing on the history of the first Thanksgiving you can develop a lovely modern day menu utilizing the flavors and items that would have been available that autumn day in Plymouth.

APPETIZER

On those cool autumn days nothing can warm one's soul quite like a steaming, hot bowl of soup. Often overlooked is the availability of seafood and how it probably played a large part of the original feast. Consider a clam chowder (how very New England) or a lobster bisque. These options are bound to surprise your guests and be a pleasant change from the norm as well as allowing you to set the tone of your non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

MAIN COURSE

Hopefully the starter course will have opened up the minds of your guests allowing them to be more receptive when they realize that turkeys were spared in the making of this meal. This potentially could be an uphill battle, but an adventurous dining experience is bound to bring joy and lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Game meats were certainly enjoyed by the colonists as noted in A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth when the Indians presented five deer to the pilgrims. In honor of this gift try simple venison tenderloin for your main dish. Spice it simply with salt and pepper and wrap with bacon. Though bacon most likely was not available in 1621, the key ingredient is certainly a part of history and using the two ingredients together will give your dish a modern touch.

DESSERT

Pumpkin was probably around for the original feast but most likely was not made into a pie to satisfy the Pilgrim sweet tooth. For dessert let's end on a note that maintains the simple thoughtfulness of our menu: Chestnut Mousse. Several different types of nuts could be used but focusing on the chestnut can add that special touch of holiday to your meal. Simple ingredients consisting of chestnuts, whipped cream, sugar and egg white will help end your meal on a light and refreshingly unexpected note.

In the end, remember that whether tradition is followed or made new, the joy of Thanksgiving is to do just that: give thanks. Do it often and joyfully, and your gathering is sure to be a success regardless of the meal. The fellowship is the true meal and the dinner just the dish on which it is served.

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