7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving (2024)

Sourdough stuffing > all other stuffing.

7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving (1)7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving (2)

Californians might not lay claim to Utah's own Frog-Eye Salad or the Dakotas' Snickers Salad (we're still not sure if either of theseconcoctionsbelong as aside or a dessert), but they most definitely know how to make a bangin' (farm-fresh!)Thanksgiving spread. Here's a sign thatyou're fortunate enough to stuff yourself in the Golden State.

1. GRILLED TURKEY IS THE CENTERPIECE.

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When it's 70 degrees and sunny for most of the year, why roast a turkey inside for most of the day when you can be outside on your patio grilling one? Californians take grilling seriously 365 days a year, Thanksgiving included.

2. SOURDOUGH SNEAKS IN SOMEWHERE.

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Fact: Not everyone can easily mimic the perfect chewiness and tangy flavor of California's famous sourdough bread. (I binge on the stuff whenever I go home to visit family.) So it's no surprise that instead of using a loaf ofplain white bread, challah (such an East Coast move) or cornbread, West Coasters reach for their belovedsourdough.

3. VEGETABLE SIDES AREN'T GLOPPED IN MAYO.

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Excuse the sweeping generalization, but it's safe to say that compared to some other parts of the country, sun-kissed Californians tend to eat pretty healthy. (They have to be trim for all their hikes and beach outings, duh.) But they're also blessed with being an agricultural hub, withamazinglocally grown produce readily available. They don't have to rely on condiments to make the veggies taste great; a little butter or olive oil, lemon juice (a must),and salt and pepper is all we need.

4. GARLIC BREAD IS THE CARB OF CHOICE.

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Thanksgiving might be the day of Parker House rolls, but that's too fussy for Californians, whose true love is garlic (after all,the city of Gilroy is dubbed the Garlic Capital of the World). Store-bought or homemade garlic bread is always welcome at the table.

5. BRUSSELS SPROUTS PREVAILOVER GREEN BEANS.

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The rest of the country might be finally coming around on the hearty cruciferous vegetable, but residents of California, where most U.S. Brussels sproutsare grown, haven't needed any convincing. They're always a fave on the Thanksgiving table, with or without bacon.

6. MAYBE YOU'LL SEE PECAN PIE, MAYBE YOU WON'T.

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Desserts knows no bounds in California, where cooks don't limit themselves to the traditions of apple, pumpkin, or pecan pie. Dessert is one area where Californians like to change it up, experimenting with pumpkin cheesecake, trifles, and tarts.

7. PINOT NOIR NEVER STOPS FLOWIN'.

What Californians are perhaps most thankful for? Wine. Pinot noiris a gold standard—and the perfect Thanksgiving wine given how easy-drinking and food-friendly it is. California and its neighbor Oregonproducemore of itthan any other area in the U.S., so you can bet that you'll be washing down turkey with the red.

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7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving (2024)

FAQs

7 Signs You're Having a California Thanksgiving? ›

But in California, many of us celebrate Thanksgiving a little differently. In the land of year-round fresh produce and sunny skies, we swap green beans for brussels sprouts, put sourdough in our stuffing and often enjoy our feasts outdoors.

How do Californians celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

But in California, many of us celebrate Thanksgiving a little differently. In the land of year-round fresh produce and sunny skies, we swap green beans for brussels sprouts, put sourdough in our stuffing and often enjoy our feasts outdoors.

What do Californians eat for Thanksgiving? ›

While turkey is a staple on most Thanksgiving tables across America, Californians often opt for fresh, locally sourced turkeys or even try alternative proteins like roasted duck or quail. In addition to the main protein, Californians love to incorporate seasonal vegetables into their Thanksgiving feasts.

What does a traditional Thanksgiving look like? ›

Traditional foods include turkey, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, cornbread, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Many people serve pie for dessert at the end of the meal. Popular pie flavors are pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, and apple.

What is in Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Many of the dishes in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner are made from ingredients native to the Americas, including turkey, potato, sweet potato, corn (maize), squash (including pumpkin), green bean, and cranberry.

Is Thanksgiving a California state holiday? ›

Independence Day: July 4. Labor Day: September 4. Veterans Day: November 10 (observed) Thanksgiving Day: November 23.

Does LA celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

The History of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival where the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal in 1621. It's a time for gratitude and gathering, traditionally marked by a hearty feast. In LA and across the nation, it's a day to pause and give thanks.

What is the superstition for Thanksgiving? ›

After carving the turkey, the wishbone, a Y-shaped bone that carries much superstition, gets set aside to dry. Once the meal is over, two people make their wishes and break the wishbone. Whoever ends up with the bigger piece is said to have their wish come true and good luck for the upcoming year.

How do Native Americans view Thanksgiving? ›

It's important to know that for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a day of mourning and protest since it commemorates the arrival of settlers in North America and the centuries of oppression and genocide that followed.

What is the oldest Thanksgiving tradition? ›

Americans model their holiday on a 1621 harvest feast shared between the Wampanoag people and the English colonists known as Pilgrims. Canadians trace their earliest thanksgiving celebration to 1578, when an expedition led by Martin Frobisher gave thanks for its safe passage.

What is the dark history of Thanksgiving? ›

"Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture," says the United American Indians of New England. They've marked the occasion as a day of mourning for 48 years, according to Native Hope.

What is a traditional Black Thanksgiving dinner? ›

You will likely be eating roast turkey, barbecued turkey, deep fried turkey, glazed country ham, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes mashed and covered with marshmallows, corn, cornbread, yeast/potato rolls, black eyed peas, rice, gravy, potato salad, cranberry sauce from ...

How are you supposed to celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

How is Thanksgiving celebrated? In both Canada and America, family and friends gather for a meal and other celebrations on Thanksgiving. Traditional fare in America often includes turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie. Parades and football games also have long associations with Thanksgiving.

How does South America celebrate Thanksgiving? ›

Many Latinos have a tradition of making an altar to display pictures of deceased loved ones, as well as food and other items that they enjoyed in life. Some families even get together for a game of football or go on a nature hike as a relaxing, family-focused way to enjoy the national holiday.

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