Educational CyberPlayGround ®

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe from the First Nation American Indians and every state.

This Thanksgiving, why not be the person who points out that "cornu" and "horn" have the same Proto-Indo-European root and /k/ became /h/ by Grimm's Law. (The same change links cordial/heart, canine/hound, cent/hundred, and cannabis/hemp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimm%27s_law …)

Also point out the fact that the word 'cornucopia' actually comes from the Latin for a 'horn of plenty' and originally referred to the horn made by Zeus from the crown of his she-goat nurse, named Amalthea, on all your dinner guests?

The Thanksgiving Recipes Googled in Every State
Find out which foods are unusually popular in each state on Thanksgiving.
NY Times Thanksgiving Recipes Googled in Every State

The United States of Thanksgiving
Recipes that evoke each of the 50 states (and D.C. and Puerto Rico). These are our picks for the feast. Dig in.

We Are What We Eat: Documenting Dinners Around the World

 

First Nation People
American Indian Classroom Resources
on the Educational CyberPlayGround

Alaska and First Nation People

The 1621 feast between the Pilgrims and the Indians was not the first official Thanksgiving. On June 20, 1676, following the massacre over King Philip and 700-800 Pequot Indians in Connecticut, the council of Charlestown, Massachusetts unanimously voted to proclaim June 29. 1676, as a day of celebration and Thanksgiving.
The following statement was read:
"The Holy God having by a long and Continual Series of his Afflictive dispensations in and by the present Warr with the Heathen Natives of this land, written and brought to pass bitter things against his own Covenant people in this wilderness, yet so that we evidently discern that in the midst of his judgments he hath remembered mercy, having remembered his Footstool in the day of his sore displeasure against us for our sins, with many singular Intimations of his Fatherly Compassion, and regard; reserving many of our Towns from Desolation Threatened, and attempted by the Enemy, and giving us especially of late with many of our Confederates many signal Advantages against them, without such Disadvantage to ourselves as formerly we have been sensible of, if it be the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, It certainly bespeaks our positive Thankfulness, when our Enemies are in any measure disappointed or destroyed; and fearing the Lord should take notice under so many Intimations of his returning mercy, we should be found an Insensible people, as not standing before Him with Thanksgiving, as well as lading him with our Complaints in the time of pressing Afflictions."

Thanksgiving: A rare holiday that isn't all about kids by Jack Santino is a folklorist at Bowling Green State University.
Over the river, and through the wood, to Grandfather's house we go,” says the 1844 Thanksgiving poem. These days, it's more often sung as “Grandmother's house,” and we're more likely to travel by 747 than by sleigh. Still, it's a familiar journey. Thanksgiving remains very much associated with grandparents. More than any other holiday on our national calendar, it's about honoring the family matriarch, patriarch and more distant ancestors.
I've heard neighbors talk about “going home” for Thanksgiving but “staying home” for Christmas. Even with the notoriously bad Thanksgiving traffic, people are willing to travel to their parents' or grandparents,' in deference to earlier generations. (It's become a choice time to bring home significant others for parental approval.) By contrast, with Christmas being so much about kids, parents or grandparents may more often be asked to travel to where their offspring live.
We reserve the term “Founding Fathers” for the revolutionaries of 1776, but mythically, if not historically, we see the Pilgrims as our ancestors — the first generation of Anglo-America, progenitors of what would come later and what still flourishes today. On Thanksgiving, we look back to an imagined past in which America was conceived.
Our Thanksgiving traditions, though, have more to do with customs cemented in the Civil War era than with the meal the Pilgrims shared with the Wampanoags. And we have 19th-century writer Sarah Josepha Hale to thank for popularizing the concept of the patriarch sitting “down to his Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by a large family” and enjoying a bountiful meal that the matriarch “prided herself on preparing in perfection.”

Hidden Histories Settlement in America
The Schwenkfelders are descendants of the followers of Caspar Schwenckfeld von Ossig (1489-1561), a German Reformer. They came to southeastern Pennsylvania in the 1730s. The "Saint Andrew" landed at Philadelphia on September 22, 1734. On the twenty-fourth a daylong thanksgiving service was held, beginning a practice called Gedaechtnisz Tag, which is the oldest ongoing thanksgiving observance in America. Because no land grant was large enough to provide the Schwenkfelders with a site similar to the Moravian tract at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, each family started its homestead, ranging from Chestnut Hill, near Philadelphia, into what are now Berks and Lehigh counties. The first thirty years were a time to establish farms and mills; after that, attention was given to organizing their unstructured house fellowships into a Society of Schwenkfelders Lunatic Asylum, and died under the cloud in 1841.

When Thanksgiving Was Weird : The Protojournalist : NPR 2014
The Madison Square Club for Boys and Young Men, for instance, put on Ragamuffin Parades in an attempt to bring order to the occasion. The 1940 parade, according to the library blog, featured more than 400 children and touted the group's motto: "American boys do not beg."Ragamuffin Parades continued to be popular into the 1950s but they were eventually overpowered by another burgeoning tradition catapulted nto prominence by the 1947 movie Miracle on 34 Street.The new symbol of Thanksgiving also showcased people in fantastic masks and costumes and, in addition, hoisted giant character-based balloons. It was called Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

 

Mr. Mencken on Thanksgiving
The chief objection to the New England Puritans, of course, is not that they burned Indians at the stake... but that they cursed the country with crude cookery and uneatable victuals. The pumpkin pie, clam chowder, the mince pie, pork and beans--these are some of the awful things we have inherited from those gross amd chilblained moralists. The common notion that they also gave us roast turkey, with its attendant sauce of cranberries, is an error arising out of the imbecility of the persons who manufacture covers for the November magazines. As a matter of fact, the turkey was unknown in New England until the downfall of the theocracy and the repeal of the blue laws against intellectual eating. The customary Thanksgiving fowl, in witch-burning days, was the common jack rabbit, with the puddle duck as an occasional variant. The turkey, as every sophomore in victuality is aware, really hails from Virginia, and the cranberry from the miasmatic marshes of New Jersey... --H.L. Mencken, "The Fried Smelt," Baltimore Evening Sun, 1910 December 17

Potlatch - meals

POTLATCH - The Tradition of Giving / Sharing
Potlatch is a very famous cultural practice studied by ethnographers. "Potlatch is a festive event within a regional exchange system among tribes of the North pacific Coast of North America, including the Salish and Kwakiutl of Washington and British Columbia." Sponsors of potlatch give away many useful items such as food, blankets, pieces of copper, and many other various items.”

In return for this, they got prestige. To give a potlatch enhanced one's reputation. Prestige increased with the lavishness of the potlatch, the value of the goods given away in it." Potlatching has became one of America's greatest assets to helping out people less fortunate, and those who may not get to become a part of a tribe or organization, allowing them to experience this classical tradition.
A potlatch is a festival ceremony practised by indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. This includes Haida, Nuxalk, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Coast Salish cultures. The word comes from the Chinook Jargon, meaning "to give away" or "a gift".

More than 100 tribes gather at Squaxin Island tribal center. Potlatch & protocol following Canoe Journey.
http://www.theolympian.com/2012/07/31/2194245/more-than-100-tribes-gather-at.html
The sounds of tribal drummers and singers flowed from a 30,000-square-foot tent Tuesday as the Paddle to Squaxin 2012 Canoe Journey unfolded at the Squaxin Island tribal center. The host tribe, aided by a small army of volunteers, is playing host this week to a gathering of more than 100 Coastal Salish tribes, the largest known gathering of cultures ever in the South Sound region. Atop Sampson's cedar hat was the head and skin of a coyote, the trickster in many Coast Salish cultures. Across his back was a drum he will use to drum one of his wolf songs that a contingent of Hohs will perform during their protocol Wednesday.

“We also have a lot of gifts to give - elk meat and fish and other things you can't buy in a store,” Sampson said.

Share a Meal

Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Fresh Tarragon

You will need:

  • 1 5-pound pumpkin, cut into quarters, seeds scraped out and removed
  • 2 Tablespoons finely minced Ginger
  • 6 Cups of Vegetable or Chicken Broth
  • 1 Cup of Cream
  • 1 teaspoon of ground Nutmeg
  • 1 Tablespoon of ground Cumin
  • Salt and White Pepper to Taste

To prepare this recipe:

In a pre-heated 400 Degree oven, bake the pumpkin for one hour, until soft. Scrape the pumpkin flesh into a mixer or food processor. Puree the pumpkin adding some stock, puree until smooth. Place in a large sauce pan, add the remaining stock, cream, fresh ginger, nutmeg and cumin. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Let the soup cool for about five minutes, adjust seasonings with salt and white pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped Tarragon.

Best Brined Turkey

                   .--.
    {\             / q {\
    { `\           \ (-(~`
   { '.{`\          \ \ )
   {'-{ ' \  '-. \ \
   {._{'.' \/       '.) \
   {_.{.   {`            |
   {._{ ' {   ;'-=-.     |
    {-.{.' {  ';-=-.`    /
     {._.{.;    '-=-   .'
      {_.-' `'.__  _,-'
            |||`
              .='==,

You will need:

2 cups Kosher salt
1 12-14 pound turkey, rinsed and with giblets and neck removed
3 medium onions
1 1/2 medium carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
6 fresh thyme sprigs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Dissolve the salt in 2 gallons of cold water in a large stockpot. Add the turkey and refrigerate for 12 hours.

To roast the turkey, adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and heat the oven to 400*. Remove the turkey from the salt water and rinse inside and out under cool running water for several minutes, until all traces of salt are gone. Pat dry inside and out with paper towels. Toss 1/3 of the onions, carrots, celery and thyme with 1 tablespoon of the butter and place this mixture inside the body cavity. Truss the turkey legs.

Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme over a shallow roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water over the vegetables. Set an oiled V-shaped rack in the pan. Brush the entire breast side of the turkey with half of the remaining butter, then place the turkey, breast-side down, on the rack. Brush the entire back side of the turkey with the remaining butter.

Roast the turkey for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and baste. Rotate the turkey a quarter turn so that one leg side is facing up. Add a little more water if the liquid in the pan has totally evaporated. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for 15 minutes. Remove the turkey again, baste, and rotate the bird until the other leg is facing up. Roast for another 15 minutes. Take the bird out once more, baste, and turn it breast-side up. Roast until the thigh registers 170 to 175* on an instant-read thermometer, 30 to 45 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a platter and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the defatted residue in the pan to your favorite giblet gravy recipe.

Corn and Crab Pudding side dish

You will need:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3 cups chopped onion
  • 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 3/4cup chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 egg
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 1/2 lbs. crabmeat
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375° F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2 quart casserole dish.

In a saucepan, add olive oil and saute the onions, red and yellow bell peppers, and garlic. Add the corn and continue to cook.

In another saucepan, bring milk to a simmer and slowly stir in the cornmeal. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, constantly stirring until thick. Remove from the heat and add salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk the egg and egg whites together and slowly add them to the cornmeal mixture. Stir the onion mixture, shredded cheese, parsley, and crabmeat into the cornmeal mixture. Spoon mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle top with more grated cheese and crushed corn tortilla chips.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until firm.

Spiced Cranberry Relish (back of the bag)

For this recipe you will need:

  • Zest and juice of 1/2 orange
  • Zest and juice of 1/2 lime
  • 1 1/2 cups port
  • 8 oz. fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 small red onion, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger
  • 1 scallion, finely sliced (green and white parts)
  • 1 cup (packed) light brown sugar
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

To prepare this recipe:

Set the orange and lime zest aside, and place the orange and lime juice in a saucepan. Add the port, cranberries, onion , garlic, ginger, scallion, sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the reserved orange and lime zest and cook for 5 to 10 minutes longer, or until the mixture thickens. Remove the mixture form the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Navajo Indian Sweet Pudding Desert

  • 1/4 cup coarse ground cornmeal
  • 2 cups whole milk -- cold
  • 2 cups whole milk -- scalded
  • 1/2 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Mix the cornmeal with enough of the cold milk to pour easily. Stir until smooth. Add slowly 2 cups scalede milk and cook in the top of a double boiler for 20 minutes, or until thick.

Add molasses, salt, sugar, cinnnamon, and butter. Pour into a buttered pudding dish and pour over the balance of the cold milk.

Set in a pan of hot water and bake 3 hours in a 250 F oven. Let stand 1/2 hour before serving.

Serve topped with vanilla ice cream. This pudding should be very soft, and separate.

The Iroquois Thanksgiving Blessing

"Ohenton Kariwahtekwen"
Greetings to the Natural World

The People

Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as people.

Now our minds are one.

The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our mother, we send greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Waters
We give thanks to all the waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms-waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of Water.

Now our minds are one.

The Fish
We turn our minds to the all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as food. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.

Now our minds are one.

The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting of thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.

Now our minds are one.

The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We are honored by them when they give up their lives so we may use their bodies as food for our people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.

Now our minds are one

The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many people of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.

Now our minds are one.

The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds-from the smallest to the largest-we send our joyful greetings and thanks.

Now our minds are one.

The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help us to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.

Now our minds are one.

The Thunderers
Now we turn to the west where our grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We are thankful that they keep those evil things made by Okwiseres underground. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.

Now our minds are one.

The Sun
We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.

Now our minds are one.

Grandmother Moon
We put our minds together to give thanks to our oldest Grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of woman all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.

Now our minds are one.

The Stars
We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered together as one, we send greetings and thanks to the Stars.

Now our minds are one.

The Enlightened Teachers
We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring teachers.

Now our minds are one.

The Creator
Now we turn our thoughts to the creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for all the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.

Now our minds are one.

Closing Words..........

We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.

Now our minds are one.