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Family Traditions Centered on Food Are Seared Into My Memory
When food is more than just sustenance — it’s love on a plate.
I love to eat so it’s not surprising that many of my happiest memories center on food. I’m sure I’m not alone. Many cultures have strong ties to food, particularly during the holidays when we seek out specific foods with special meaning.
I recently wrote a story on The Top 5 Foods I Would Recommend to New Americans. I asked readers to share what I missed from their favorites. John Egelkrout left me a comment, “Turkey with mashed potatoes, dressing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes with gravy and cranberry sauce. Thanksgiving!”
Thanksgiving is definitely a unique experience for new Americans. It also prompted me to reflect on how some families have different twists on the “basics” of a Thanksgiving meal. The holiday is about family and gratitude, but it’s also about special food. Thinking of specific dishes immediately brings up memories of past meals, the family and friends around the table, and the laughter and joy at those occasions.
Thanksgiving Dinner
As Chinese Americans, my family incorporates some Chinese dishes into our annual Thanksgiving meal. For example, we always make two versions of stuffing — a more traditional…
