Thanksgiving Across Cultures: Food, Wine, and Gratitude

 

Thanksgiving is a special time to celebrate the joy of community, reflect on gratitude, and gather around a table filled with delicious food and excellent wine. For me, Thanksgiving is about hosting and sharing—a celebration of connection with the people I love. While its history is complex and sometimes challenging, I see Thanksgiving as an opportunity to focus on building love and grace through tradition.

This year, I’m celebrating Thanksgiving in a unique way, bringing it to Dijon, France, as part of my wine studies abroad. Sharing this tradition with the wonderful people I’ve met here has been a fun cultural exchange—a chance to blend the harvest feast of my home with Burgundy’s incredible wine culture. Of course, while I miss my family, I’m beyond grateful for this experience to celebrate Thanksgiving internationally.

Thanksgiving flavors are a kaleidoscope—savory, sweet, tart, and earthy. Naturally, we have to start with the king and queen of Burgundy: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These two iconic wines are my go-to pairings for the Thanksgiving table, their versatility making them perfect companions to the meal’s variety. Below, I’ll break down wine pairings for each dish, highlighting why they work so well. And for ease of use, I’ve included recipes for some Thanksgiving classics to help you plan your feast.

If you’re ready to celebrate with good wine, delicious food, and a heart full of gratitude, let’s dive in!

---

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings: The Perfect Matches for Your Feast

Thanksgiving’s medley of flavors offers an opportunity for some truly amazing wine pairings. Here’s how to bring harmony to your table with Burgundy wines and beyond:

1. Roast Turkey: The Star of the Table

• Pair with: Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
  Burgundy’s Pinot Noir, with its delicate red fruit and earthy undertones, beautifully complements turkey’s savory herbs and juicy flavors. A lightly oaked Chardonnay, with its creamy texture and hints of vanilla, enriches the turkey’s natural flavors, making either a regal choice.

2. Herbaceous Stuffing: A Rustic Favorite

• Pair with: Gewürztraminer or Beaujolais
  Stuffing is savory and herb-forward, which pairs wonderfully with the spice and slight sweetness of Gewürztraminer. For a red option, a fruity Beaujolais Nouveau adds a playful, festive touch that works brilliantly with the dish’s rustic charm.

3. Cranberry Sauce: A Tangy, Sweet Side

• Pair with: Riesling
  The vibrant tang of cranberry sauce shines alongside a semi-sweet Riesling. This pairing enhances the dish’s tart fruitiness while balancing it with Riesling’s bright acidity.

4. Garlic Green Beans: A Simple Delight

• Pair with: Sauvignon Blanc
  Green beans seasoned with garlic and butter pair seamlessly with Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp acidity and herbal undertones elevate the freshness of this simple yet elegant side dish.

5. Pumpkin Pie: The Grand Finale

• Pair with: Port or Moscato
  The spices in pumpkin pie, from cinnamon to nutmeg, are enhanced by the richness of Port. Alternatively, a sweet Moscato offers a lighter, floral pairing that won’t overwhelm your palate after a hearty meal.

---

Recipes for Thanksgiving Classics

Here are three Thanksgiving recipes to simplify your preparations. These staples are easy to make and guaranteed to delight your guests.

---

Homemade Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed and dried
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened. Stir in fresh herbs.
3. Combine the bread cubes and the sautéed mixture in a large bowl. Slowly add stock until the bread is moistened but not soggy.
4. Mix in beaten eggs, season with salt and pepper, and transfer to the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15 minutes until golden.

---

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and zest in a saucepan. Add the cinnamon stick for extra flavor if desired.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick and cool before serving.

---

Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Slivered almonds or lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic until golden.
3. Add the green beans and toss to coat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in butter, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with optional toppings.

---

Gratitude, Wine, and New Traditions

Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving at home or introducing it to a new culture, the spirit of the holiday lies in gratitude and togetherness. This year, I’m raising a glass of Burgundy’s finest to the traditions of home, the excitement of sharing across cultures, and the joy of a beautifully paired meal.

Happy Thanksgiving, or as we say here in France, Joyeux Jour de Grâce! Cheers—Santé!