Thanksgiving is a holiday known for many traditions including the Macy’s Parade, football, political arguments and, of course, a feast that leaves you ready for hibernation.
Thanksgiving offers a wide variety of food, but some dishes are arguably more enjoyable than others.
70 participants, composed of Capital students and faculty, shared their favorite and least favorite Thanksgiving foods over a Google form.
Favorite foods often leave us going back for seconds or even taking a to-go plate home if you’re fortunate enough to have leftovers.
On the leaderboard for Thanksgiving favorites were turkey and sweet potatoes in third place, each taking 10% of the votes. Stuffing became the runner-up with 11% in favor. In first place, mashed potatoes stood its ground with 29% of the votes.
Some honorable mentions were rolls, green beans and cranberry sauce (with real cranberries).
Only four votes went toward my personal favorite, mac and cheese. Other favorites included beef noodles, greens, corn casserole, pie, and lamb with mint jelly.
The least desirable foods are the ones that secretly get scraped onto our sibling’s plate or fed to the dog. What are the foods most often avoided at Thanksgiving?
Turkey landed in third with 14% of the votes. Stuffing earned 23% of the votes landing in second place. And for the least desirable food, cranberry sauce took the crown by obtaining 24% of the least desirable votes.
Other foods mentioned include baked squash, deviled eggs, ham, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, potatoes with gravy and caviar.
It would appear as though the most controversial foods are turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Some submissions highlighted a love for turkey but others complained it was too dry.
Some were very passionate about their love for stuffing and others added puke emojis to their responses. Cranberry Sauce was another incredibly controversial topic. Some loved cranberry salad or sauce with whole cranberries but not canned jelly.
While many of us are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy delicious meals, not all have the same luxury. Therefore, it’s important to give thanks for what we have. Keep in mind those who go without and perhaps instead of throwing away leftovers, give them to someone in need, or prepare extra to give away.
We must also remember the origins of the holidays we celebrate and be cognisant of the indigenous trauma that is too often brushed over.
When you indulge in your favorite family recipes, remember to give thanks and pay it forward.
