I’m about to share both a quirk of mine and an awesome way to enhance what will hopefully be your already-kickass Thanksgiving dinner.
Ready?
Set.
Lemon!
No but seriously, that’s it. I don’t even remember how many years ago now I discovered that lemon on top of my Thanksgiving dinner was delicious but it is a tradition I will not forgo.
If I have Thanksgiving dinner without freshly squeezed lemon juice on top of my turkey, stuffing, and [insert green here – usually broccoli], the meal is kind of ruined. I know, it sounds drastic. But have you ever squeezed lemon onto turkey or stuffing?
Broccoli and greens are kind of a given (unless it’s something like green been casserole, which I wouldn’t eat, and then I can’t say for sure) but lemon juice on the dressing/stuffing is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD.
I repeat: soooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooooooooood!
People like my mother and aunt think I’m a freak show and that the lemon is “ruining” the flavors of Thanksgiving. Nay! It just brings out all the delicious flavors and textures in my mind. But I have such a penchant for tart and sour flavors, which is why I love anything vinegary, as well.
My brother is also a big fan of adding lemon to his dinner. We have to chop up at least three because there’s a lot of lemon squeezing happening at the table. (Oh, and if anyone is wondering, “What about the cranberry sauce?” it’s a moot point for me because I don’t eat cranberry sauce.)
I have one or two friends who have begrudgingly admitted that it’s pretty dang tasty, which it is. But it’s not a Must Have for their dinners, whereas it’s do or die time when it comes to lemon and my holiday meal.
To recap:
And, when I’m not having Thanksgiving dinner at my family’s house, as is the case this year, it’s all about BYOL: bring-your-own-lemon. (I’m not even exaggerating. I will be bringing my own Special Thanksgiving Dinner Lemon. I will not risk there not being any for the table.)
What are your mealtime traditions? Any oddball ones like mine?
Last but not least: Happy Thanksgiving!!
I AM GOING TO HAVE TO B-Y-O-L TO DINNER THIS YEAR AS I LOVE LEMONS TOO! ESPECIALLY IN MY DIET COKE OR A CORONA! NEVER WOULD HAVE THOUGHT TO SQUEEZE IT ON MY TURKEY, BUT GLAD YOU BROUGHT THAT TO MY ATTENTION TODAY! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?
I think you’ll find it’s quite tasty! Let me know how you like it for sure.
I’m doing pretty well, year-end holiday stress notwithstanding haha. I hope you and the pups are doing great!
I like shrimp cocktail on christmas morning.
Is it the red cocktail sauce that makes it seem Christmasy?
I like ham 😛