Thanksgiving culinary traditions

culinary cultures — By Bob Riel on November 23, 2006 at 7:10 am

Today is the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, when families across the country traditionally come together for a day that is centered around a special meal. There are many time-honored recipes and ways of celebrating the day, although it’s worth noting that among the diversity of ethnic and racial groups in the U.S., many of the different cultures have their own unique traditions. This story, for example, notes some of the culinary traditions among Alaska’s native peoples, which includes serving whale meat.

In Alaska’s native villages, many Thanksgiving tables this year will be set with store-bought turkey and all the trimmings. But alongside will be delicacies such as reindeer stew, moose roast, stuffed moose heart and whale-blubber salad. For dessert, there might be akutaq, which is whipped animal or vegetable fat that is mixed with sugar, berries and sometimes fish. …

A bowhead whale can measure 50 feet or more and weigh up to 100 tons. Edible parts include the meat, tongue and muktuk, which is the blubber and skin. In Nuiqsut, each bowhead caught is traditionally divided into thirds, to be distributed at Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and at a blanket toss in June.

However you spend the day, if you’re an American who is celebrating the holiday, then I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.