Just because you are traveling doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. So just like your mum or grandma made, you can enjoy the delights of Thanksgiving. Your meal just needs a little thought, the right ingredients and having the capability to cook the meal.
In this post I’m going to help you put together a great Thanksgiving meal, one that you will always remember. And one that won’t take you all day to cook either. One that can be made while camping, while traveling in your camper van, staying in a hostel or other accommodation. And you don’t have to even be in the United States to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. You can cook it wherever you may be.
Let’s get organising and cooking a wonderful Thanksgiving meal.
What is Thanksgiving and Why Celebrate Thanksgiving
It is believed Thanksgiving was first celebrated by the settlers brought on the Mayflower from England to America in 1621. They gave thanks for family, friends, food, health and other positives. In the United States it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
Thanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.
And why celebrate Thanksgiving while travelling? Well, why not! If it is a regular celebration for you, why not keep it going! And just because you are travelling doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate.
What Is traditional Thanksgiving Food
People do put different spins on traditional Thanksgiving food, but basically a Thanksgiving meal is made up of a main course, sides and deserts.
Main course
- Roast turkey is the centerpiece of the meal. And why do we eat turkey on Thanksgiving? Well, because the bird was plentiful, large enough to feed a family, and raised specifically for meat, making it a practical choice for harvest feasts in the 19th century.
- Gravy: Made from the drippings of the roasted turkey.
Sides
Complimenting your turkey are plenty of sides.
- Stuffing: A bread-based dish, sometimes called dressing.
- Mashed potatoes: Often served with butter and gravy.
- Sweet potatoes: Typically prepared as a sweet potato casserole, sometimes with marshmallows or a pecan topping.
- Green bean casserole: A classic, creamy vegetable side.
- Cranberry sauce: A tart and sweet condiment that balances the richness of the meal.
- Bread rolls: Served with butter on the side.
- Other vegetables: This can include dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, creamed corn, or a green salad.
Desserts
a piece of pumpkin pie, anyone!
Having a sweet tooth, my favourite part of the Thanksgiving meal are the deserts.
- Pies: Popular choices include pumpkin pie and apple pie.
- Other options: Depending on your family tradition and likes, other desserts like Pecan Pie or even cake may be served.
Drinks
Depending who will be at your Thanksgiving meal, there are different drinks you can serve. Of course, people make seasonal cocktail concoctions with apple and cranberries. Or you can stick to classic red and white wines that you can pair with your Thanksgiving meal. Or beer, if you prefer.
Making A Traveler’s Traditional Thanksgiving Meal while Traveling
If you are traveling solo but still want to celebrate Thanksgiving, well you can. It will depend on how many people you are cooking for, the ingredients available and what cooking apparatus you have as to what meal you can make. If you will be camping your Thanksgiving meal will look a whole lot different to if you are cooking in your camper van.
Making a Solo Traveler’s Traditional Thanksgiving Meal
- When cooking for one, there really isn’t any point to buying and cooking a whole turkey, unless you want to eat turkey sandwiches for a month! Therefore, buy pieces of the turkey, like a leg or two or maybe the breast. Or perhaps use chicken or a smaller bird.
- Buy pre-made mashed potatoes, gravy mix and vegetables or salad to go as sides.
- Purchase a piece of already made pie of your choice.
Making a Traveling Family Traditional Thanksgiving Meal
A family could be two of you, traveling in a couple of with a friend or two or it could be parents traveling with kids. Either way, if you want to celebrated Thanksgiving with a traditional meal, consider the number of people you are cooking for, are ingredients available and what cooking gear you can use.
Buy pre-made side dishes like mashed potatoes and enough dessert for everyone. Don’t spend hours by your camp fire, in the camper van or hostel kitchen – make your life easy. After all, you are traveling!
Are You Ready to Make a Traditional Thanksgiving Meal While On the Road?
I hope so! With a little thought of what is available to you, you should be able to make your own traditional Thanksgiving meal. What have you made on the road?
Don’t celebrate Thanksgiving? No worries, check out all the other recipes here.
