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From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

Growing up, we didn't do m&c, but I've certainly heard about it since, and many Italian and Greek families have baked cheesy things on the table as well.

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

I think it reflects that more people eat out for Thanksgiving in the Northeast than in the Midwest and South!

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

Well, I'll say it:

I hate Thanksgiving.

It's my least favorite holiday.

Growing up, I liked the parade on TV, the day off from school, making crafts, and nibbling a sweet decadent breakfast with my mom. But I never liked the lumpy beige food, even the smell of the turkey. The most anal relatives hosted Thanksgiving, so it was a boring affair, full of constraint and making nice with cousins I didn't speak to--going out to eat was lovely, too, but the food was never as nice as on non-Thanksgiving days.

After my parent's divorce, my mom and I sometimes went to the movies or a diner, but often my grandmother would be sick, and then I was away at college...

I've had some dreadful Thanksgivings. Eating Souffer's French Bread pizza while writing my thesis for grad school. Being an undergrad, running in Connecticut on T-Day, and happening upon a lovely, stereotypical LL Bean family running with their dogs before their big turkey feast when I was alone. Fighting with my mother, refusing to come home from college, going to a friend's home in her UNHEATED New England house and then having her fight with her parents and scream at me for not eating enough for the whole weekend.

My mother and I were close during my late 20s but we never really got the 'hang' of Thanksgiving as two women living alone.

My mother has passed, and now I spend it at my father's and stepmothers. They spend most of the day inhaling meat, watching TV, and complaining about how no one speaks Greek in America.

I love Christmas--the tinsel and the lights, the joyous pastels of Easter, even the heady summer excitement of the 4th of July. I give out the best candy on Halloween. I always take my father out to eat and give him a gift on Father's Day.

But Thanksgiving can stuff it.

From Serious Eats

Meatless 'Turkey' Taste Test

I like Boca and Morningstar patties of various kinds. I couldn't stand 'real' turkey when I ate meat as a kid, and just the word 'tofuturkey' sends chills down my digestive tract.

Veggies are fine. I won't die for one meal if there isn't a great deal of protein, but for meat eaters who are really at loose ends, how 'bout a nut tray? EVERYONE enjoys pecans, peanuts, walnuts, and so forth, and it's very seasonal.

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From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

Growing up, we didn't do m&c, but I've certainly heard about it since, and many Italian and Greek families have baked cheesy things on the table as well.

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

I think it reflects that more people eat out for Thanksgiving in the Northeast than in the Midwest and South!

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

Well, I'll say it:

I hate Thanksgiving.

It's my least favorite holiday.

Growing up, I liked the parade on TV, the day off from school, making crafts, and nibbling a sweet decadent breakfast with my mom. But I never liked the lumpy beige food, even the smell of the turkey. The most anal relatives hosted Thanksgiving, so it was a boring affair, full of constraint and making nice with cousins I didn't speak to--going out to eat was lovely, too, but the food was never as nice as on non-Thanksgiving days.

After my parent's divorce, my mom and I sometimes went to the movies or a diner, but often my grandmother would be sick, and then I was away at college...

I've had some dreadful Thanksgivings. Eating Souffer's French Bread pizza while writing my thesis for grad school. Being an undergrad, running in Connecticut on T-Day, and happening upon a lovely, stereotypical LL Bean family running with their dogs before their big turkey feast when I was alone. Fighting with my mother, refusing to come home from college, going to a friend's home in her UNHEATED New England house and then having her fight with her parents and scream at me for not eating enough for the whole weekend.

My mother and I were close during my late 20s but we never really got the 'hang' of Thanksgiving as two women living alone.

My mother has passed, and now I spend it at my father's and stepmothers. They spend most of the day inhaling meat, watching TV, and complaining about how no one speaks Greek in America.

I love Christmas--the tinsel and the lights, the joyous pastels of Easter, even the heady summer excitement of the 4th of July. I give out the best candy on Halloween. I always take my father out to eat and give him a gift on Father's Day.

But Thanksgiving can stuff it.

From Serious Eats

Meatless 'Turkey' Taste Test

I like Boca and Morningstar patties of various kinds. I couldn't stand 'real' turkey when I ate meat as a kid, and just the word 'tofuturkey' sends chills down my digestive tract.

Veggies are fine. I won't die for one meal if there isn't a great deal of protein, but for meat eaters who are really at loose ends, how 'bout a nut tray? EVERYONE enjoys pecans, peanuts, walnuts, and so forth, and it's very seasonal.

From Serious Eats

Serious Green: 5 Simple Ways to Green Your Thanksgiving

Not eating meat! (And very little dairy, if I can get away with it).

(And biking to my destination).

From Talk

Pumpkin: *Way* or *No Way*

Thank goodness another of my SE friends came out for pumpkin! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread (with chocolate chips), pumpkin muffins...not a big fan of savory or unconventional uses of pumpkin (don't like pumpkin soup or *shudder* ravioli or ice cream). And hate whipped cream on the pie. But pumpkin pie--WITH THE CRUST--all the way.

From Talk

vegetarian buffalo ________

I like Morningstar products, and although their buffalo chicken wings were too spicy for me, I'd suggest giving them a try.

From Talk

Lactose-free Thanksgiving etiquette tips/dessert ideas please!

Why not 'not fight him' and just serve him candy, attractively displayed? I'm sure the grown-ups wouldn't mind stealing a piece of two, either.

From Talk

The entertainer who doesn't feel like entertaining this year

I think the potluck sounds fantastic, or your dessert idea. If you want something no-fuss and slightly more traditional, why not just have some fancy sandwiches with 'fixings' and do a 'Thanksgiving leftover' spread?

I think lots of years families would prefer this type of Thanksgiving, but no one has the guts to say so.

From Talk

Thansgiving menu - I think I'm missing something...

You don't need a turkey! Make something that you like! And I personally dislike lemon desserts, but many people love them!

Everything is great, but you need appetizers and some good bread. Corn bread would be PERFECT with the chicken and beans. Biscuits or dinner rolls if you want more food. I would go with another vegetable, too, more of a fall-type veggie.

And lots of nibbles, like spreads and extra bread, nuts, dried fruits, cheese if you like that, and so forth, to keep everyone occupied while you finish cooking.

From Talk

Decorations for Thanksgiving Cupcakes

Cake spy had those wonderful cookie turkeys that would make lovely toppers.

Also, for a simpler touch, why not those candy corn pumpkins from the 'autumn mix'--actually any candy in brown, gold, and yellow.

More grown-up: candied ginger.

From Serious Eats

'Koodie': Another Term to Describe the Children of Smug, Self-Satisfied, Food-Obsessed Parents

I love the retro picture, but hate Dexter. Can't wait until he grows up and starts eating peanut butter by the spoonful and drinking milk out of the carton when he turns 16.

However, watching Julia Child as a kid was FUN. That is not 'new'--JC and the Swedish chef=universal childhood delight without pretence.

From Serious Eats: New York

Apparently We Caused a Cookie Run...

It couldn't happen to a nicer chain--I loved Pret when I was living in the UK--it's the only chain I think of fondly!

From Talk

Tell me if this cake idea sounds good.

I like maple and pumpkin together, or pumpkin and peanut butter. No matter how light, I think the three together would be too much. A pumpkin roll with cream cheese frosting or vanilla frosting with the maple would be nice, or a peanut pumpkin combo, just topped with a sprinkle of peanuts. But I would go either/or.

The roll idea is great--like a fall version of the traditional Christmas 'Yule Log.' Serving it should be fun--depending on the flavors, lots of artful use of the filling or nuts on the top will be beautiful. I see some little foil gold leaves and maple even a tasteful edible turkey 'topper' (like a candy mold in an appropriate flavor).

From Serious Eats: New York

Where Does Your Thanksgiving Loyalty Lie?

Ed, this is why you are a true food genius--yes, yes, yes, a whole day devoted to pie!

I've never liked turkey, even when I ate meat, and always liked the sides best. But the only part of the Thanksgiving meal I LOVE is the pie. And sadly, my Thanksgivings are now spent with non-pie eaters.

I think the ideal T-day 'pie-o-paloza' would begin with a light fruit pie like apple, followed by a main course of pecan, and then ending up with a slice of pumpkin for 'dessert.' Almost a balanced meal, eh?

From Talk

And now the cake dilemma...c'est finalement l'ennui gateau

I live in NJ and have never heard tuxedo cake called a Polish cheesecake--I have heard cheesecakes made with sour cream called various Eastern European ethnic terms though.

I've always found cheesecake after a big meal to be too heavy (but then I'm not a fan). What about one of 'old time' cakes like Opera cake, German Chocolate cake, Black Forest cake or something like that.

From Talk

And now the cake dilemma...c'est finalement l'ennui gateau

What type of flavor profiles haven't you covered in your other desserts? Traditionally, I'd say you need a pumpkin and an apple flavoring (like pumpkin pie and apple cake or vice versa).

If those flavors are covered, maybe another fall flavoring, like carrot, date, or spice cake with pecans and walnuts?

You could also go crazy and try one of those super-old fashioned cakes like Lady Baltimore Cake or super-non traditional like an ice cream cake--or go really 'humble' and serve a crumb coffee cake.

From Serious Eats

The Varying Food Preferences of Conservatives and Liberals

I'm 100% liberal food-wise and political-wise according to the study. And it doesn't surprise me at all, given that questioning conventional wisdom about the way one eats and politics seems to go hand-in-hand.

From Talk

HELP! Butter free stuffing?

Why not just use vegetable broth? Stuffing isn't like a cake and requires a 1:1 substitute of something with a very similar consistency. You just need something 'wet.' There are dressing recipes with vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, bread, and spices.

From Serious Eats

Alton Brown Says No to Stuffing the Turkey

Just to throw this into the mix: for people who don't eat turkey but like stuffing, it is nice to have the stuffing as 'dressing.'

People who do eat the turkey can always take dressing, put their cut turkey slices on top of the mix, and then let the juices seep down and pour gravy on it, if desired. Those who do not eat turkey can take the stuffing and mix it with their veggies for juice. Then, everyone is happy. And if your turkey is so dry no juice dribbles into the stuffing, then you understand why I don't like turkey :)

From Slice

In Which I Find Margherita Pizzas Boring

Italian food has always been one of the more ingredient-driven cuisines, versus technique-driven cuisines like French and the various varieties of Chinese food. It's about starting with very high-quality ingredients and 'giving them respect.' Having high-quality ingredients that can stand on their own without much alteration can be hard for a business to do, and still sell enough pizza to stay in business.

I don't eat pizza much any more, and when I do I get just a very little bit of tomato sauce and one or two veggies, usually, not Margherita. For me, the most important and unique thing about any pizza is the crust, and that can never be 'boring,' just good or bad.

Re: toppings--I think there is a difference between getting one or two high-quality toppings, versus getting some kind of 'specialty' pie (like Hawaiian, artichoke, sausage and fennel, and so forth) because then you're throwing a completely different flavor profile into the mix.

Just out of curiosity, what do you think is the ideal cheese combo? It sounds like you're saying that, given the choice between a truly outstanding Italian-American slice, with provolone or some other cheeses in the 'mix' and the standard Margherita, you'd take the former. I think lots of people would agree with you on that choice.

From Serious Eats

Phoenix: Impossibly Airy, Amazingly Awesome Pancakes at Matt's Big Breakfast

Oh my friggin gawd...this is just cruel that is place is half-way across the country.

I love slightly underdone pancakes. And that slightly mushy mouthful of melty butter...sigh....

From Talk

Is dating a picky eater a dealbreaker for anyone?!

Honestly, his preferences don't sound that outrageous to me. I don't like cheesecake, and I know people with very sensitive palates who don't like eggs. I try not to use many condiments to mask the taste of food.

I don't believe in deal breakers, but as others have said, what does get under my skin is treating ME as if I am weird or abnormal if I have particular tastes or only going to one or two restaurants. My father, for example, will only go to ONE restaurant in all of New York City (and one I don't like very much, frankly) and two in NJ (one of which is a seafood place, the other of which is the Olive Garden). Blood is blood, but I wouldn't put up with that from a guy I was dating.

A person can control going out to eat, though, and personal reactions to what you eat--however, if mayo makes him want to hurl, that isn't going to be something love can cure.

From Serious Eats: New York

Chocolate Chip Cookie Championship: The Uptown Edition

I've never had the Levain but many bloggers I respect have deemed them unmissable--I have one really neurotic question for the SE staff before I order one though--about how many 'single servings' are in one cookie (portion control of deliciousness being something officially endorsed by SE, right ;)

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

I am little bit disappointed that my state (California) is in the lead on mashed potato-related searches. Are we a state of people who can't mash potatoes?

From Recipes

Martha Stewart's Macaroni and Cheese

My boyfriend and I only refer to this as crack and cheese. It's insane. I've made it a couple of different times with a couple of different cheeses, but I favor the recommended cheeses. I brought some to a friend's "mac-off" and won hands-down.

Anyone had any experience with assembling/freezing/baking this dish?

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

I live in the South...macaroni and cheese is a staple at all of our family gatherings (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc.) and has been as long as I can remember. It's not Easy Mac or any of the other crap that comes out of a box, but Grandma's homemade custard-style kind.

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

Do we know if this is adjusted for population?

And why in the world is Maine so interested in butternut squash?

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

Mac 'n' Cheese is an African-American tradition for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you remember Run-DMC's 'Christmas in Hollis' they mention what is served including "Ma's Mac'n'Cheese'.

It's not a tradition on my family (Mom can be a snob a times), but our extended family does.

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

As a Michigander (or Michiganian, if you prefer), I was disheartened when I saw the screaming purple mitten under "green bean casserole." Thankfully, we regained status with a lighter color for "cheese ball." It was great fun to scroll through, having seen many a green bean casserole and cheese ball in my lifetime here. And like @rocquie, I have never seen mac&cheese on a Thanksgiving table.

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

I thought it was fantastic. Particularly fascinating was a side-by-side comparison of those who spelled it "sweet potato casserole" (#1) and those who typed "sweet potatoe casserole" (#40).

From Serious Eats: New York

Incredibly Cool: NYT Infographic Shows Where Thanksgiving Food Searches Come From

Very cool. And yes it was fun to scroll through. The most surprising to me was how many southerners searched for mac&cheese. I've lived in the south all my life and have never heard of a single person who said (admitted?) they were having mac&cheese for Thanksgiving. But sure, why not?

From Slice

No Love for New Jersey Pizza, Richman?

It was a long way to go for someone else's Mojo. However the pies were well topped and Anthony was gracious as usual.

Ciao,

Paulie Gee

From Slice

No Love for New Jersey Pizza, Richman?

The oven in the pictures look like the same gas woodstone oven they've always had.I seriously doubt AM built it,I think he just turned the gas off and threw some wood in.That's what a fully paid up Guru would do isn't it ? Why is the pizza only $14 bucks? Is he leaving some of the Mojo out of this pizza? I have no quarell if that is what he thinks this pizza is worth?

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

Since it's just me and my boyfriend, we're having new york strip steaks & mashed potatoes. I have some brussel sprouts I might roast but that would be just for myself.

My only nod to the occasion is dinner rolls. You know those ones that are usually only available around holidays that come slightly raw and you have to bake them? I grew up loving those.

Also, I have a problem with the naked gluttony that surrounds the day. It's disgusting to me that in this day and age with food so plentiful that we actually have the gall to set aside a day to eat even more. I just think it's grown irrelevant and that's why, when I do celebrate it, I try to focus on giving thanks for things other than mass quantities of food. Little things like friends and family and good health and whatnot. And this is from someone who is overweight and loves to eat.

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

I've had some humbug years. And some difficult ones, when the holidays had to be split between DH's family and mine. And in my case it was just my parents, so if we didn't make an appearance, it was just the two of them. Instead of looking forward to the holidays, it was something I mostly dreaded, because someone would always be disappointed that we didn't spend enough time.

Now my parents are gone and we moved across the country from DHs siblings, so the holidays are much more low-key. I host Thanksgiving and Christmas for my inlaws, which is exactly the way I like it.

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

As a young adult I grew to dislike Thanksgiving to the point that had it been disontinued, I wouldn't have given a damn. It was mainly because my father's family (whom I always spend it with) would never allow anyone to tamper with their precious meal that apparently has been eaten in precisely the same way since Moses declared it to be.

I made homemade rolls and was told they prefer storebought. I made sweet potato pie and was told it was just the same as pumpkin (which they make) so why did I bother (Totally not the same). And on and on and on.

It took about fifteen years, but I now make the rolls, the cranberry sauce, bring whatever desserts I see fit, along with a cocktail for before, and I have been trusted to make the family recipe for stuffing.

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

Yup, flying squirrels. My SIL lives in a house from the 1800's with four children all under the age of 7. There was a flying squirrel whipping around the kitchen...no one was really bothered by it except me who kept shrieking and ducking. That is the exact moment I began to go to Rome or Prague in my mind when we visit with them. It is a most excellent coping technique and NO hangover!! BigMan occasionally will have to whisper "First class ticket back home" when I drift too far off.

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

@PoorOldMama-Flying squirrels??? Why on earth were there flying squirrels? I'm laughing and intrigued over that one!

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

Whew! I thought I was odd for being weary of Thanksgiving and all its rigid food requirements. Looks like there's a whole new field of frustration out there. Well, after many years of trying to inject new dishes or traditions into my extended family, I decided to just go along with it all but make my contributions (dishes)--ones that my husband and I really like. It's just a day in the week...much like Christmas...and I've learned that I must control the particular holiday (assign it just a few hours amidst family, make something we like and eat what I like, etc) that is bearable for us...and that's *it*. I often think that maybe next year I'd like to take a long vacation in eastern Europe just before our (USA) Thanksgiving to avoid all the intense commercialism and emotional pressure of Thanksgiving and especially Christmas (and enjoy, hopefully, Christmas the old fashioned way....or has it been ruined over there as well?)

From Talk

Is Anyone Else a Thanksgiving Humbug?

The older I get the harder I find it to enjoy Thanksgiving - my relatives are less perfect when seen through adult eyes than they were when I was a kid. Having the right expectations seems to help - we're not perfect, idyllic, or even always nice. If we can manage to respect each other's differences for the day, I'll call it a success. I'm optimistic that we can do this.

Now Christmas I outright dread - love the holiday itself, but am terrified of spending it with my family. Have solved the issue this year by bugging out to spend it with my in-laws, who are blessedly wonderful people.

From Talk

Pumpkin: *Way* or *No Way*

@Monelle ~ Supermarket pumpkin pie? No comparison. It's like comparing apples and gym socks!

@bareneed ~ I've missed SE and YOU as well. Been a rough year, and I'm glad to be back.

@cybercita ~ Please post your bundt cake recipe?

I'd say the majority do like pumpkin, sweet and savory. I have made sweet potato pie and nobody knew the difference, so I'd substitute that in a New York minute if I couldn't find canned pumpkin. Anyone care to share more savory recipes, like cream of pumpkin soup?

From Talk

Pumpkin: *Way* or *No Way*

Waaaaaaaaaaaay! How do I love thee, pumpkin... let me count the ways...
Surprisingly, I didn't even taste anything pumpkin till I was a teenager. Everyone in my family didn't like it and had me brainwashed until I felt obliged to take a little bite of a pie that was pressed upon me by a good friend's mother. It was love ever since, in a multitude of permutations. And it couldn't be Thanksgiving without it. My family eats the pecan pie and brownies while everyone else gobbles up the pumpkin stuff.

From Talk

Lactose-free Thanksgiving etiquette tips/dessert ideas please!

If you don't like the kid's parents, you could lie, load the kid up like a lactose bomb, and wait until he's safely out the door and in the car before the, um, fireworks start...
Just kidding - children aren't weapons.

From Serious Eats: New York

The Only Six-Foot Super Bowl Hero a New Yorker Needs

the pizza bianca is great. i had it straight from the oven one day and it was heaven. the other pizza's are good too, the potato is the best

From Talk

Pumpkin: *Way* or *No Way*

Way for pumpkin! So good in so many incarnations.

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