Southern Thanksgiving Dishes Most Of Us Include On Our Table
When it comes to Thanksgiving, of course, we love family time. However, if we get right down to it, the food is sometimes the highlight. So, I got to thinking about Southern Thanksgiving dishes that we probably all include on our celebration table. And, as is the case with most discussions of this nature, everyone has opinions.
But, after reading an article in Southern Living entitled “12 Dishes You’ll Only Find On A Southern Thanksgiving Table,” I found I agreed with quite a few. Plus, I had some of my own ideas. And, contrary to the title of their article, I find that some on the list probably cross over into other regions of the country as well.
Deep Fried Turkey
Ok, the first item in the Southern Living article definitely applies to the South. It’s Deep Fried Turkey. I have to admit growing up in Texas we never heard of frying a turkey. However, when we moved to Georgia it was a delicacy the locals prepared for us. And, we loved it. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea. I pictured fried chicken and a battered situation. It’s not, by the way. They showed us how to slather the bird in mayo and seasonings or inject it with a marinade before dropping in oil.
The first time our friends made it for us, they almost burned down our backyard. So, there is a level of precaution to take when embarking on the adventure. But, it’s juicy and delicious. It’s the only way we make it now. So, it’s definitely one of those Southern Thanksgiving dishes.
Dressing/Stuffing
And, one of the items on this list was a pan of “dressing.” I think everyone has some form of this. Although, it might be called “stuffing” where. Southerners typically use cornbread. And, we rarely if ever include any fruits. And, I think oyster stuffing or dressing is uniquely Southern.
Deviled Eggs
I do think it’s possible that deviled eggs might be a dish every Southerner includes on the Thanksgiving table. We make it at Easter, Fourth of July, summer picnic, baby showers and Thanksgiving.
Casseroles
And, in the South, casseroles are a category all their own. We insist on some form of Sweet Potato Casserole. But, we skip the marshmallows in favor of a streusel topping. And, I have to have my Green Bean Casserole. This week we learned of a dish called Pear Salad that, apparently, Southerners all eat with mayo and cheese.
So, you see, there’s a wide range of “Southern” dishes. And, it’s open to interpretation and taste. To see all the dishes Southern Living deems as those you’ll find on the Southern Thanksgiving table, read the full article.