As an American living in Australia, there are a few traditions I miss being away from home. Thanksgiving is high on that list.
It's the first holiday after the start of a new school year in late August, so it marks the beginning of the 'holiday season'. My extended family usually travels to each other's houses for different holidays, but growing up, Thanksgiving was at our home in Greenwich, Connecticut, where a mix of family members from both sides sat around our family table to feast.
Being thankful
American Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November. Connecticut is one of the few places in the US to see autumn leaves in all their glory. Leaves morph into shades of red and orange, and eventually tumble to the ground to create a colourful mosaic.
As a kid, jumping into piles of raked-up leaves was a favourite afternoon pastime during Thanksgiving. If it wasn't raining, my cousins and I would play a game of American football on the field next door before indulging in the evening feast that awaited us.
I remember the most common question asked on the day was, 'What can I do to help?'
My parents would start cooking the staples – the delicious duo, and stuffing. They had prepared pies a day or two before. The smells that wafted from the kitchen prompted us to help. When a gathering is centred around being grateful for what you have, it makes everyone willing to give. The most common question asked on the day was, 'What can I do to help?'
Thanksgiving is one of the few celebrations in which there are no expectations to give gifts or money. Families come together to spend time with one another, surrounded by wholesome food prepared as a team, using recipes passed down from generation to generation. While the origins of the was born in New England and it is not historically ethical, we celebrate community: We are thankful for what we have and the ability to be together.
Let the festivities begin
One of Christina Brown's favourite Thanksgiving dishes is her dad's sweet potato puree. Source: Supplied
My family's Thanksgiving usually began with a Turkey trot. This is typically an organised 5km walking or running race to make yourself feel better about eating your body weight later in the day. Having breakfast was unheard of. We usually skipped it and finished prepping for the evening's feast.
Our extended family would arrive in the early afternoon, and glasses of wine and beer flowed freely throughout the day. (I enjoyed this part, particularly when I came of age!) As the main meal came together, we snacked on canapes like bruschetta, baked brie and homemade dips. Every year, we told ourselves to save our appetite but to no avail.
Before we began our feast, we gathered around the table to each express our gratitude for our family, food and health. Our bellies would soon catch up to our hearts in becoming full of appreciation.
I hope everyone has an opportunity to experience their own Thanksgiving, not necessarily in the American way, but as a continued practice of gratitude.
After what felt like a marathon wait, it was time to eat. The dining table was like a supermarket catalogue with traditional dishes sprawled across it. Plates of turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots and homemade cranberry sauce coloured the table. I looked forward to my favourite dish: my father's sweet potato puree. Turkey with puree and gravy is my ultimate comfort food.
The dessert spread was just as expansive as the main meal. Pumpkin pie, apple crumble, pecan pie, chocolate brownie trifle and different types of ice-creams occupied the table. Most of us requested small slices and scoops so we could try everything without exploding. Stretchy clothes were necessary to avoid feeling guilty about unbuttoning the top button of our pants – oops! By night's end, the couch was occupied by people falling into a food coma.
As with what you would expect from any big family mealtime, there were always leftovers. They were just as good, if not better, than the day before.
Thanksgiving in Australia
For the last four years, I have called Australia home. This year, I plan to carry on the tradition of thankfulness by spending quality time with loved ones in Denmark, Western Australia. While I miss my family dearly, I am excited to celebrate this year with friends and fellow Americans here in Denmark who each carry their own Thanksgiving memories. It may look, feel and taste different, but the essence is the same.
Having solid friendships is one of life's greatest gifts. I hope everyone has an opportunity to experience their own Thanksgiving, not necessarily in the American way, but as a continued practice of gratitude while indulging in delicious food. Cheers to that.
Christina Brown's sweet potato puree
This bright comfort dish is the perfect accompaniment to a Thanksgiving feed.
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes,
- ⅓ cup coconut or regular yoghurt
- ½ tbsp butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Roast the sweet potatoes whole for an hour or until soft.
- Allow potatoes to cool.
- Peel the skin off and scoop the flesh out. Blend in a food processor.
- Add the yoghurt, spices and the salt and pepper to taste.
Note
- Make sure not to make the puree too soupy so it holds like a puree.
