1 of 14

Write now Article Tools

Depending on whether Thanksgiving dinner will be with my husband's relatives or with my relatives, their geographic locations and past traditions at Thanksgiving determine the menu portion of the dinner and up north, I would consider their menu "non-traditional" as it was new to me. The day of thanks usually involved a coming together in one place, about 15-20 family, friends, and relatives (their friends too sometimes) to share conversation and laughter with a bountiful meal. Grace said before the meal would allow us the opportunity to give thanks, if we so chose, before taking in the feast.

Thanksgiving menu with my family and relatives is usually as follows:

Tomato Juice OR white or red wine

Turkey and dressing OR Baked Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes and gravy Corn
Carrots and Peas Sweet Potatoe casserole
Turnips mashed Sweet buns warmed
Jellied Salads (2) Jellied Salads (2)

Pies: apple schnitz, pecan, pumpkin
Selection of cookies and squares

Tea and Coffee

* * * * * * * *

Thanksgiving menu with my husband's family and relatives was a bit different and "nontraditional", perhaps because they live in an area where there was commercial (now native) fishing, and in times past all the men were hunters and fisherman (my husband's dad was a boat-builder as well).

Family members usually brought various dishes of the following:

Tomato Juice and white or red wine were available prior to and during dinner.

Baked stuffed salmon or whitefish, roasted venison or moose, turkey and dressing
Potatoes: mashed, roasted with the meat and a sweet potatoe dish
Turnip mashed and usually a steamed vegetable assortment
Coleslaw Leaf lettuce, radish, tomato, green pepper salad
Raw vegies and dip Cold smoked chubb (fish)
Rolls warmed with butter Pickles
(Oh right! The gravy from the venison, moose, or turkey that was roasted)

Dessert: The best assortment of pies (apple, raisin, pumpkin), absolutely mouth-watering cakes with icing-to-die for (my mother-in-laws Black Forest Cake), an assortment of squares (for the kids and adults), some cookies, ice-cream.

Tea and Coffee (Regular brewed, Baileys or Irish Cream coffee)

* * * * * * * *

No matter where I was for Thanksgiving, the company was terrific and the food and drink abundant. Sometimes I would reflect upon those who were alone at this time or didn't even have access to the feast we had. How fortunate we are...

Learn more about this author, Wendy Loft.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Non-traditional menu ideas for Thanksgiving dinner?
We want to hear your view. Write now!