Thanksgiving turkey . Christmas ham . And maybe black eyed peas for New Years . Food for the holidays can either be as traditional as a Hallmark family dinner or as varied as the people who celebrate .
For example , there were a few years my mother made us Cornish hens for Thanksgiving . Instead of making one large bird , each person got their own , individual birds to choose from .
When we asked our readers this month what their favorite holiday food traditions were , many responded with what you would expect : Turkey , dressing , deviled eggs and the traditional side dishes .
Some , however , gave us some personal anecdotes . Some mentioned special recipes . And some talked about family – children , parents , grandparents .
It ’ s true that holiday meals mean much more than just the food itself . Those meals are a way to make memories , to tell stories or teach each other how to make important recipes , handed down from one generation to another .
It ’ s a way to bring everyone together when , at any other time of year , our lives are so busy we barely have time to sit and eat by ourselves , let alone in a social setting .
It ’ s a time to reflect on what means the most to you as an individual . What , truly , is the most important part of that holiday meal ?
We hope this collection of what others say is the most important foods in a holiday meal both gives our readers ideas for what to make for the holidays , and has opened up some fond memories .
Erica Jasper : “ My sister ’ s pumpkin rolls . Although she forgot to bring them to our dinner and then sent pics of her boyfriend gorging on them afterwards .”
Casey Walters-Minton : “ My sister ’ s Sweet Potato Casserole and turkey with gravy are my top two favorites .”
Carolyn Blan : “ Dressing , gravy , mashed potatoes and turkey .”
Kenny Kelly III : “ Stuffing and my grandma ’ s sweet potato casserole are musts .”
Anita Fisher : “ Dark meat of the turkey , stuffing and cranberry sauce out of the can .”
Stacie Kuhl : “ Stuffing made with sausage , onion , celery and chicken broth .”
Christi Miller : “ Family , family , family .”
Sherry Griffin Schultz : “ My Mother would make ‘ Louisville Rolled Oysters ’ on New Years Eve every year . Lots of our friends would stop by and she would keep frying all evening .”
Chelsea Albright : “ My grandmothers German Potato Salad . This year ’ s Thanksgiving will be the first time I ’ ve made it since my grandmother passed .”
Tim Huddleston : “ None . My kids are grown and we gave up the Thanksgiving traditions a few years ago . We try to do something different each year , like Chicken Tikka Masala ( huge hit !) or a prime rib . This year they ’ ve requested Spaghetti Carbonara , and we ’ re making it with fresh pasta and eggs fresh from the farm ! Just got to find some goodquality prosciutto .”
Terry Foley : “ Thanksgiving has to have homemade potato salad and deviled eggs ... Has to have it !!!”
Amber Rose Swinson : “ Turkey , mashed potatoes , corn and stuffing . If those four are there , I ’ m good . Oh and deviled eggs of course .”
Maria J . Pyles : “ My turkey , moist and tender ... putting tree up , used to be with kids but now it ’ s just hubby and me that put it up .”
Jessica Willis : “ Mashed potatoes and gravy , broccoli casserole .”
( As always , some responses may have been changed to correct grammar or spelling .)
December 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 37