Hosting a Thanksgiving celebration will be a bit more expensive this year with super market prices higher than usual. A turkey dinner is estimated to cost about $65 for a party of 10 guests. That’s about 20% more than the previous season, while a nice smoked ham is only slightly less. A five pound bag of potatoes is up 45% from last year with the turkey stuffing and trimmings about the same. And the dinner rolls are twice the normal price. That’s why a lot of folks are dining out this year, and many restaurants trying to rebound from COVID restrictions are grateful for the business. Then again, to me at least, that seems a bit commercial.
Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is celebrated in Mexico and in many other Spanish-speaking countries in the region. However, it is usually called Dia de Accion, or Dia de Accion de Gracias, recognizing an event of significance. And as it is on any special holiday, a fiesta is all about family and usually spent at home, not in a fancy restaurante de lujo. So yes, the traditional turkey is usually on the dining room table, albeit with sides like empanadas, yellow rice with veggies specially seasoned and perhaps a yucca dish to sample. And don’t forget appetizers like fried plantains sprinkled with brown sugar for the kiddos along with a slightly warm fruit punch. Of course, a different bowl is needed for the adults spiked with your favorite brand of rum. That’s how we roll south of the border and in many Hispanic-American households here in the States. All of us might have some fun preparing one or a few of these different items, either for Thanksgiving or in later holidays approaching Christmas. And when adding it up, you could save some money while receiving some rave reviews for creativity. The following includes a short list of recipes you might want to consider and give your turkey feast a bit of Latino flair.
Chorizo and cornbread stuffing
For a different twist, perhaps try this recipe for stuffing your bird. This is what you will need… One pound of chorizo sausage; One brown onion, three celery sticks and two carrots, finely chopped; three cloves of minced garlic; two cups of crumbled cornbread mix, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 1/2 cup of chicken stalk and 1/2 stick of butter.
How to prepare
Preheat over to 350 degrees. In a large stove top pan, remove chorizo skin and heat on medium until it browns and softens. Add veggies and continue to stir. Next comes the cornbread crumbs, chicken stalk, cilantro and butter. Keep stirring until fully cooked and mixed. Spray some Pam in a large casserole dish and transfer ingredients. Bake for about 20 minutes and let cool before stuffing the turkey.
Appetizers
Costa Rica empanadas
In honor of the national futbol team finally returning to the 2022 World Cup, I urge you to make some Costa Rican-style empanadas for early dining munchies. They are cheap, tasty and require very few ingredients. And as such, you can get the kids involved and have some fun in the preparation process. This is what you will need…Two cups of water; three cups of yellow Maseca corn flour; One package of 32 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced and cut in half (Costa Rica cows produce a unique blend, but mozzarella is close) and sprinkle with salt. You will also need around three cups of vegetable oil for frying.
How to prepare
In a large bowl, mix the masa and water well, remove little by little and place on a cutting board. With a rolling pin, thin out the contents of the bowl, form into a circular shape and set aside. Then place each piece of cheese off center in the dough. I also like to add some chopped cilantro for flavor inside before folding over like tacos. Get the youngsters to do all that work for you, but maybe have them to wear some plastic gloves. Now you’re ready to fire up the frying plan, add the oil and cook over medium heat until cheese has melted and golden brown. Blot well on paper towels and serve. So simple and delicious! Goalllllll
Side dishes
Mexican yellow rice
As previously mentioned, this versatile favorite works great with turkey and is easy to prepare no matter how you spin it. And with the skyrocketing price of spuds, it’s a thrifty alternative. All you’ll need is a large bag of dried long grain white rice; a half stick of butter; one chopped yellow onion; three cloves of minced garlic; 3 cups of chicken broth, adobo seasoning and a bit of saffron. In a large sauce pan, throw in a healthy portion of rice with the butter and sufficient water. Simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes and stir well. Add your chicken broth, onion, garlic and seasoning (more water if needed). At this point, you can add more veggies like peas, carrots, sliced mushrooms or maybe golden raisons. Simmer and mix again. You know the drill. Then serve and enjoy.
Simple light dessert
Churro Chips
Everybody loves churros, right? So in the interest of time and a tight budget, why not churro chips? Obviously not the type of a sit down dessert one might expect, but great to grab in a disposable bowl, hang out and relax in the living room. The kids can join in and then do their thing. Just pick up a large pack of flour tortillas, half a stick of melted butter, one and 1/2 cups of sugar and one cup of cinnamon. That all depends on the number of people present. Pre-cut the tortillas in large chip sized squares and place in a butter filled bowl. Mix well so that both sides are covered. In another large bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon together, and then transfer the chips. mix again and then place them on a foil lined cookie sheet. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and bake for 15-20 minutes.
It’s late in the game now and you might already have your dinner planned. But if not, give one or two of these ideas a shot, or again, maybe later on in December. Remember, variety is the spice of life, especially in a fiesta atmosphere.
