Our family arrived to the United States as immigrants when we were very young.
Because Thanksgiving is an American celebrated holiday, our parents knew little of the traditions and customs this holiday entails.
While our friends were eating Turkey, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pumpkin Pie, and other delightful entrees, our family was eating pork, rice and beans, "platanitos" (fried plantain), avocado and flan (like custard).
With time, and already married, we became friends with families who celebrated Thanksgiving the traditional way.
Slowly, we learned how to prepare those delicious plates, which include fruits and vegetables from "harvest" time.
I even learned to make the turkey "juicy," and full of flavor.
Though I must confess there is still no stuffing in it.
Finally, the typical American Thanksgiving menu has become ours.
Our children always look forward to String Bean Casserole, those delicious roasted marshmallows over sweet potato, and of course Turkey.
Our menu does have slight adaptations to accommodate those older Hispanic members of our family.
We can never just have these dishes, without including rice and beans, and maybe even "tamales" (corn pattie, stuffed with meat or plain).
As I think of the many families who have migrated to the United States over the years, we know we are not alone.
These families have embraced Thanksgiving as their holiday as well.
They join the rest of this nation in celebrating the bounty of blessings, along with the remembrance of those first pilgrims who made many sacrifices to move here.
But I do know that whereas they may be celebrating Thanksgiving, their meals are far from traditional.
Like our own variation, Colombians, Peruvians, Uruguayans and families with different nationalities will add Latino flavors unique to each of their countries.
Our friends from India, Nepal, Pakistan will be adding curry and other delicious mixtures of flavors.
And those from the Far East may be enjoying noodles and rice as part of their Thanksgiving meal.
These unique adaptations make the United Stated what it is...
a nation of varied races, ultures...
a true "Melting Pot.
" The warm fellowship, the colors of Autumn, the joys of family, AND the blends of spices and tradition help us to focus on the true meaning of this holiday- giving thanks to God, our Creator, for everything in our life and the blessings this country receives from Him.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
" Psalm 34:8 Happy Thanksgiving! P.
S.
Visit our blog to view a recipe for Flan http://www.
shoplbg.
com/blog/ and feel free to comment on your own "Different Flavor of Thanksgiving" recipes.
We appreciate your patronage...
please remember us when looking for great books!
Because Thanksgiving is an American celebrated holiday, our parents knew little of the traditions and customs this holiday entails.
While our friends were eating Turkey, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pumpkin Pie, and other delightful entrees, our family was eating pork, rice and beans, "platanitos" (fried plantain), avocado and flan (like custard).
With time, and already married, we became friends with families who celebrated Thanksgiving the traditional way.
Slowly, we learned how to prepare those delicious plates, which include fruits and vegetables from "harvest" time.
I even learned to make the turkey "juicy," and full of flavor.
Though I must confess there is still no stuffing in it.
Finally, the typical American Thanksgiving menu has become ours.
Our children always look forward to String Bean Casserole, those delicious roasted marshmallows over sweet potato, and of course Turkey.
Our menu does have slight adaptations to accommodate those older Hispanic members of our family.
We can never just have these dishes, without including rice and beans, and maybe even "tamales" (corn pattie, stuffed with meat or plain).
As I think of the many families who have migrated to the United States over the years, we know we are not alone.
These families have embraced Thanksgiving as their holiday as well.
They join the rest of this nation in celebrating the bounty of blessings, along with the remembrance of those first pilgrims who made many sacrifices to move here.
But I do know that whereas they may be celebrating Thanksgiving, their meals are far from traditional.
Like our own variation, Colombians, Peruvians, Uruguayans and families with different nationalities will add Latino flavors unique to each of their countries.
Our friends from India, Nepal, Pakistan will be adding curry and other delicious mixtures of flavors.
And those from the Far East may be enjoying noodles and rice as part of their Thanksgiving meal.
These unique adaptations make the United Stated what it is...
a nation of varied races, ultures...
a true "Melting Pot.
" The warm fellowship, the colors of Autumn, the joys of family, AND the blends of spices and tradition help us to focus on the true meaning of this holiday- giving thanks to God, our Creator, for everything in our life and the blessings this country receives from Him.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
" Psalm 34:8 Happy Thanksgiving! P.
S.
Visit our blog to view a recipe for Flan http://www.
shoplbg.
com/blog/ and feel free to comment on your own "Different Flavor of Thanksgiving" recipes.
We appreciate your patronage...
please remember us when looking for great books!
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