Love and Thankfulness

When I think of Thanksgiving traditions I think of LOVE. My family and friends don’t really have traditions when it comes to particular foods at Thanksgiving. We practice the tradition of TOGETHERNESS! We feel it is important to not be alone and for everyone to get together and have a good time. We are all spread out all over the country and we do our best to join one another in the name of love and have a meal. Thanksgiving is a mixture of friends, family, and new friends.

When it comes to food…WE GO IN! We tend not to lean towards the traditional Thanksgiving fare because, to be honest, we end up having that same food a month later for Christmas. Plus, we are a mixture of different nationalities and childhood traditions that we each bring our own contribution to the table. For instance, I am Jamaican and I often get asked to make a traditional Jamaican dish whether it may be Beef Patties or Ackee and Saltfish. Last year, my aunt hosted and prepared Southern Cuisine such chitterlings with hog maws in addition to ham and collard greens. So as you can tell, being from the islands and being raised in the south has its advantages and provided for an interesting spread on the table.

This year we are getting creative. I live in North Carolina but I was raised in Florida and so were most of the people in my North Carolina circle. One of the main things that we complain about missing is the ability to go to any corner in Florida and have there be a Crab Shack, Crab Joint, Crab House, etc. So this year we are having a Crab Boil/Seafood Feast. We will have crabs, shrimp, fish, crawfish, and all the sides we can come up with that accompany seafood. Let’s not forget about dessert. We will have cake, pies, etc. because who has a feast without dessert?

My point in sharing this with you is that Thanksgiving is about the LOVE you experience with those around you and being thankful for them and all that you have to be thankful for. Create your own traditions and enjoy yourselves.

For any questions, comments, concerns, or even recipes feel free to contact me at keakurviekulture@gmail.com  One Love! Happy Thanksgiving!