Happy Thanksgiving – American style

In Germany, Europe, probably much of the world, today is just a normal day, like any other.

Not in the US. There, today is Thanksgiving, also known as Turkey Day, because, well, I probably don't have to tell you, but on Thanksgiving, we eat a lot of turkey. 

But Turkey Day isn't only about the turkey. In fact, while I would never say no to the bird, I've always thought the best part of a Thanksgiving Day feast wasn't the turkey, but everything else that goes with it. 

Stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, peas, green beans, cranberry sauce (which is OK when it comes from a can, even better when it's made fresh with real cranberries), plus lots of different kinds of pies for dessert – apple, pumpkin (see the December VocAB!), cherry, pecan. And that's just the standard, "traditional" list. Some families do a lot more. Some deep fry or smoke their turkeys. Some make turducken - a turkey stuffed with a duck that's stuffed with a chicken.

Of course, Thanksgiving isn't only about the food. It's about being with family and giving thanks. But what can I say? I'm hungry, and some days I like to give thanks for a healthy body and a digestive system that can handle such a feast.

Happy Turkey Day!