Let’s talk turkey
Cindy on November 24th, 2008
It is not just the Great Works of mankind that make a culture. It is the daily things, like what people eat and how they serve it.” â Laurie Colwin
Earlier this month, it was hard to find a cooking magazine that didn’t feature a masterpiece of a roasted turkey perched on a ceramic platter and encircled with a trio of traditional side dishes. While I appreciate the beauty of an expertly presented meal, those magazines never fail to stir conflicting waves of nostalgia and guilty reminders of my culinary incompetence.
To most readers, the cover photos are practically iconic. Representing the ultimate American family meal, they evoke warm-fuzzy images of cheerful grandmothers fussing in the kitchen, close-knit clans pulling their Windsor chairs to the table in unison, and fathers leading everyone in prayer. But hold on. That’s Norman Rockwell’s vision of a holiday, isn’t it? For those who’ve recently lost loved ones — or whose family circle is reconfigured by divorce or distance — it’s another picture entirely.
The holidays are especially hard on women who feel compelled to replicate the festive meals and glamorous parties featured in shelter magazines this season. As one friend put it, even the “easiest” recipes and the “simplest” instructions for decking the halls require a fair amount of preparation — and angst. And by the time we’re ready to serve The Feast, we’re ready to drop from nervous exhaustion.
I truly enjoy hosting casual dinners for intimate groups, and I consider entertaining a labor of love. But the holidays set the bar too high for me. I suspect we’d all enjoy the festivities even more if we could relax and minimize the yuletide fuss. When we gather around the table this week for Thanksgiving, let’s count our blessings and find joy in the unique way we choose to celebrate — with or without the turkey worthy of a magazine shoot.
Happy Thanksgiving to all! – Cindy La Ferle
November 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Last week I was waiting for an appointment and picked up a popular magazine with a gorgeous turkey on the front. I couldn’t find a listing for the recipe anywhere in the magazine! I was curious to see how much work it would be to cook such a turkey. For many years it has just been our immediate family. Since our children now have their own lives, I have learned to enjoy the time we have when they are home and to keep it simple in the kitchen. Turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, and a green vegetable are our staples. I make quick bread or rolls, and for dessert we have pumpkin and pecan pies. This covers everyone’s favorites, I can manage it on my own, and we always have left-overs. Happy Thanksgiving!
November 25th, 2008 at 9:08 am
I think celebrating is the main thing. It’s easy to see those gorgeous pictures of holiday fare stage set by food stylists and think we need to live up to those expectations. But I think most people are grateful for a get-together with good food and good company!
Happy Thanksgiving!
November 25th, 2008 at 10:10 am
That’s right — it’s really about the people and spending time with them. My son is flying in from Chicago this afternoon and will be here with us for five days. That’s what I am most grateful for this season! — Cindy La Ferle