Before Neil and I came to live in Canada, we didn't think about the fact that Canada would also have a Thanksgiving, so it was a nice surprise to find out that they do and not only is it another excuse for a big blowout meal, but also a bank holiday which means no work on Monday!
Previous Thanksgivings in Canada have all been good, the first one in 2004 particularly memorable as we spent it in a small cabin with two friends on the Sunshine Coast in BC. Our friends had brought a turkey and all the usual (Canadian) trimmings, which we planned to cook and enjoy in the cabin.
We were dismayed to find out, however, that the cabin's small, basic kitchen had no oven and we resorted to asking the kitchen staff at the campsite's restaurant to kindly let us use their oven to cook the turkey. They were more than happy to oblige and our turkey cooked happily while we went on a really nice forest walk.
When we returned the turkey was perfect, golden brown and crisp, wrapped in a blanket and we enjoyed it later that evening with the Canadian accompaniments of mashed potatoes, peas and carrots. When we visited the pub later in the evening, our friend was referred to by everyone as 'Turkey lady'.
Now, I know the States have some strange side dishes for Thanksgiving, such as sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, candied yams and green bean casserole, but Turkey lady, (Mary), made a side dish so bizarre and unexpected I never would have believed it was real if I hadn't seen her make it.
It is basically jello, (jelly), usually lime flavoured or strawberry with some fruit added and cream used instead of some of the water. This is served with the main course, I kid you not. Neil and I dubiously tried some, the gravy and jello intermingling looking very unappetizing on our plate, and declared we really couldn't stomach the idea. We ate some for dessert, however, where it seemed much more appropriate. Mary also told us that she remembers her mum making a coconut variety with cream and marshmallows on top, so maybe the idea is linked with the Americans penchant for something sweet on the plate with the savoury turkey.
Some of the more unusual American side dishes can be found here:
The Canadians also have a dish made from rutabaga, (turnip), which is mashed and then mixed with potato. I haven't tried this yet, but I am making a rutabaga gratin today, (recipe included later). Their stuffing recipes are very different too, with the bread being cut into large chunks, mixed with other ingredients, moistened with chicken stock and an egg and baked. As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless, so you can take a look at some of the concoctions here, (stuffing is called dressing in some places).
And for some 'jello salad' recipes, I found a site here:
We have two Canadian friends coming round at 6 o'clock for a full Turkey experience, so I'll get back to you later with the various and seemingly endless recipes and prep I've been doing for this feast. For now, here's a link to a recipe I tried for the first time ever, brining the turkey. Good old Martha Stewart's website provided a decent option, so I gave it a go in a cooler, as I didn't have enough room in the fridge.
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