Warm up your ovens, because today is Thanksgiving!
We’re not early: we’re just on Canada’s clock. While the second Monday of October marks Indigenous Peoples Day in the U.S., for our neighbors to the north, it is Thanksgiving.
In light of these 2 holidays, we would like to take a moment to not only give thanks with good food, but also reflect on how Thanksgiving came to be.
The History of Thanksgiving
Despite Thanksgiving being a popular U.S. holiday, the pilgrims were not the first to celebrate. Rather, “Indigenous peoples in Canada have a history of celebrating the fall harvest that predates the arrival of European settlers” (Canadian Encyclopedia).
“October is traditionally when some of our communities would plant the “Three Sisters” (corn, beans, & squash) for next year’s bounty,” explains Dawn Tabobondung, the CEO of First Nation Growers.
Dawn continues, “Many tribes would hold large harvest Pow Wows as a final opportunity to be together before hunkering down for the long winter, a chance for storytelling and passing down our oral tradition.”
If you choose to celebrate the fall harvest today, think about the history of the holiday. Here are some articles to help you do so, from Smithsonian Magazine and Oyate.org. Further, support Indigenous Authors with #NativeReads: Great Books from Indigenous Communities.
A Canadian Thanksgiving Menu
Without further ado, let’s get cooking. Enjoy these specialty Canadian Thanksgiving dishes, concocted by a couple of our favorite female chefs in the Great North! 🍁
Drinks
Hot Buttered Rum
from Jessica in Alberta
Complement your meal with a cozy cocktail.
Click here for the recipe!
Cherry Red Wine Slushy
from Jacqueline in British Columbia
With all that heat in the kitchen, this is sure to help you cool off.
Click here for the recipe!
Sides
Maple & Pancetta Roasted Brussels Sprouts
from Jennifer in Toronto
Sweeten up your sprouts with some maple.
Click here for the recipe!
Vegetarian Mushroom Stuffing Cups
from Tara in Alberta
Stuffing, but make it bite-sized.
Click here for the recipe!
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
from Taylor in Toronto
Add a fall twist to a cheesy classic.
Click here for the recipe!
Main Courses
Cider Glazed Turkey
from Aimee in Toronto
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Canadian turkey.
Click here for the recipe!
Jigg’s Dinner
from Bonita in Newfoundland
Dine like Sir Martin Frobisher in 1578.
Click here for the recipe!
Thanksgiving Pierogies
from Julie in Calgary
Filled with mashed potatoes, turkey, and gravy.
Click here for the recipe!
Sauce & Soup
Peach and Dried Cranberry Chutney
from Thas in Ontario
A sweet, sour, spicy addition to any meal.
Click here for the recipe!
Dessert
Butter Tarts
From Lily in Ontario
Enjoy a Canadian classic this Thanksgiving.
Click here for the recipe!
Maple Pumpkin Spice Pie
From Aimée in Montréal
The ultimate fall dessert with a Canadian twist.
Click here for the recipe!
Chocolate Pecan Pie
from Louisa in Toronto
Because what’s dessert without some chocolate? Click here for the recipe!
Leftovers
Curried Turkey Pie
from Debjani in Newfoundland
Add some spice to your leftovers.
Click here for the recipe!
Zuppe Di Pane
from Lisetta in Toronto
Don’t let your leftover rolls go to waste.
Click here for the recipe!
