Four Essentials for Thanksgiving

Considered the most important meal of the year by many, Thanksgiving dinner is something people look forward to around the nation. After all, it is a day spent with family and good food. For some, it’s also the one day a year they get to taste a delicious family recipe. Whether it’s sweet potatoes, gravy, stuffing, or even the classic turkey, this holiday keeps many people on their toes. Though everyone’s Thanksgiving looks different, there are a few essential items you need at the dinner table. Below find four of these items. 

Turkey

Some would say a turkey is the most important food item at the table. A turkey is the center of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, 88 percent of Americans eat Turkey on Thanksgiving, with 46 million Turkeys eaten on the holiday. Right behind is Christmas at 22 million and Easter with 16 million turkeys eaten for the holiday.

Mashed potatoes 

There’s nothing better than smooth and creamy mashed potatoes! For those in the United States, it’s like jam without toast. This Thanksgiving delicacy is for any potato lovers to enjoy at the table. There are different variations to make meals with potatoes, but mashed potatoes are the most popular. Other popular potato dishes during the holiday season are sweet potatoes, mashed potato casserole, or sweet potato casserole topped with yummy marshmallows — making this an excellent side dish for your feast!

Cranberry Sauce

Thanksgiving is never Thanksgiving without this iconic treat. Cranberry sauce is the holiday side dish many savor each year. This treat in some houses only comes out once a year. Nothing beats its sweet, jolting taste. Every holiday season an estimated five million gallons of cranberry sauce is consumed! 

Pies

We saved the best for last! Pie is a staple dessert for Thanksgiving. This holiday is all about an overabundance of food and that’s why you need at least two or three pies. There are so many delicious types of this iconic holiday dessert. Some popular choices are apple, pumpkin, key lime, pecan, cherry, cream, and blueberry. The most popular pie in the U.S., however, is cherry pie. Data shows that 22 percent prefer this pie; pumpkin pie was right behind. Here’s a quick life hack: At your dessert table, you can offer ice cream to go with your slice of pie.

What are your family’s Thanksgiving essentials?