In Other Words with Dave

At our house, Thanksgiving dinner rarely includes the traditional turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, and something made of yams. We’ve served ham a few times, which was always easier. Last year, we decided to try something non-traditional and simple: a big pot of chili with a full “chili fixins” bar. It was relaxed and delicious with minimal cleanup. Alison called it her favorite Thanksgiving ever and joked that if chili was this easy, maybe we’ll do pizza for Christmas. 

Our most successful “non-traditional” feasts are my homemade lasagna Thanksgivings. Since this multilayered deep-dish effort is quite a production (at least for me), I make two trays—one for dinner and one for the freezer. This meal has earned universal praise from my in-laws, stepkids, godkids, and my lovely wife—and has been the benchmark ever since. 

We’ve had our fair share of cooking disasters, too. There was the year the oven door hinge broke, and we had to wrap a bungee cord around the oven while several casseroles baked. Then there was the year we found a paw print in the cornbread casserole. We were transporting side dishes to dinner at the in-laws when Mac, our dog, jumped into the car and then into the casserole. Yet, the favorite disaster story that gets retold every year is undoubtedly the legend of the hamloaf. Alison got adventurous with a “can’t go wrong” holiday recipe, and it did. That year, our side dishes became the main course, and we learned that “loaf” should only follow “meat” and never ever “ham.” 

This year, we’ll gather around the table to give thanks. We’ll bow our heads in gratitude before the meal, and after dinner and a little time on the couch, many of us will bow our heads again—for a well-earned nap.