Nine of the 12 chefs we spoke to agree that this dish isnt a must.
Jake Sternquist
The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade.Pumpkin pie.
A little football and a lot of gratitude.
Credit:Jake Sternquist
Thanksgiving simply wouldnt be the same without certaintraditions.
As time progresses, we can eat what we are comfortable with.
Food can change but the meaning of Thanksgiving will always remain the same.
Some of the best chefs from coast to coast confirm that youll be thankful if you do.
The No.
Dont: Think turkey is your only option as the centerpiece.
Food historians confirm that turkey wasnt even linked with this autumnal feast until at least the 1800s.
Some people are Thanksgiving turkey die-hards.
Its perfectly OK to have more than just turkey on the table!
Dont: Stuff and cook your turkey whole.
This is the perfect opportunity to chat about stuffing, too.
This year, spatchcock your turkey and try ourMillion Dollar StuffingorPull-Apart Stuffing Ring.
Dont: Make everything from scratch.
Carrying on certain traditions, say, grandmasmashed potatoesor your unclespecan pie, is important.
Skip the all-day cooking marathon.
Consider outsourcing or simplifying a few elements.
Theres no reason to be so stressed out on a holiday!
If any component of the meal isnt in your comfort zone, then dont do it, Bowser says.
Dont: Neglect diverse dishes.
One of the biggestfood trendsthis year and for Thanksgiving 2024?
A celebration of global flavors.
These days, Piva says that you shouldnt feel bound to stick to the standard flavors and ingredients.
She is looking forward to her moms Chinese sticky rice instead of traditional cornbread or bread stuffing this year.
Laguatan, who has Filipino roots, is counting down to snacking on lumpia before his familys feast.
My daughter, who loves to cook, (wonder where she got that from!)
Ziata sets a goal to introduce something completely new each year to keep the menu fresh and interesting.
Thanksgiving wine pairingscan elevate the overall experience, but not everyone drinksor prefers to drink vino.
The chai adds warmth and complexity, balancing the bourbons richness.
This sets the cozy, festive tone right away, he says.
Jasinski is keen on offering a beyond-soda seasonal,non-alcoholicdrink.
This rounds out the meal with a refreshing finish and lets everyone join in the holiday toast.
