Max Miller, the mind behind ‘Tasting History’ on YouTube, offers insight into the evolution of the Thanksgiving meal, sharing recipes that harken back to its historical roots.
Thanksgiving, as we celebrate it today, is influenced by traditions far removed from the first gatherings. Max Miller highlights that early feasts likely included venison, shellfish, lobster, corn, and squash, rather than the turkey-centric meals we know now. The Wampanoag tribal members were not initially participants in a formal invitation but joined the feast, mistaking celebratory gunfire for aggression.
A significant figure in shaping Thanksgiving into a national holiday was Sarah Josepha Hale. In her 1827 work, she championed the traditions and later encouraged its adoption as a holiday for unity before the Civil War. Despite the divisions of the time, her efforts with the holiday’s promotion helped solidify its place in American culture.
The recipes from historical Thanksgiving meals have remarkably remained intact. Amelia Simmons’ ‘American Cookery’ from 1796 influenced dishes like roasted turkey and cranberry sauce. Meanwhile, the mid-20th century saw a shift where convenience foods like Stove Top stuffing became part of the holiday fare, marking a move towards modernity in cooking, yet retaining traditional flavors.
Max Miller provides three historic recipes that can illuminate a past Thanksgiving on our modern tables. Among these recipes is the 1914 pecan pie, featuring a meringue topping, which offers a taste of tradition. Another is corn chowder from 1896, showcasing the use of local ingredients like corn and potatoes. The third is a unique parmesan cheese ice cream from 1789, which reflects the experimental and varied culinary pursuits of past American kitchens.
These historic recipes provide a window into the culinary past of the United States. While Thanksgiving today is a blend of modern and historic traditions, exploring these recipes can bring an element of history to any holiday table.
Source: News-journalonline
