Food
Americans will be skipping the canned cranberry sauce this holiday season
On Thanksgiving week, we learned that Americans don’t really like cranberry sauce.
Alissa Gaskell
12.05.19

Thanksgiving is that time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate the harvest season and most importantly, to give thanks for one’s blessings. It is often done with specially prepared feasts that everyone partakes in after expressing what each one is grateful for.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Source:
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

You can just imagine the taste and smell of each carefully prepared and meticulously plated dish. Think turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pie, and other irresistible desserts and side dishes that one can’t help but take frequent bites of.

Serious Eats
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Serious Eats

Thanksgiving celebrations are always a treat. In fact a common joke has even stemmed from the large, hearty feasts prepared by families for the holiday: that mostly everyone ends up with enough leftover food to last a week or so. With the holiday only a few days away, it’s both entertaining and surprising that Americans picked this time to express their disdain on certain food served during the holiday. Usually, recipes are shared and a whole lot of preparing and tasting happens in American kitchens. Preparation techniques and recipes may vary but one thing seems to be certain: most households dislike green bean casserole and cranberry sauce. A new survey by The Harris Poll confirms that most Americans don’t care much for these dishes.

So how come both still have a spot on the dinner table at Thanksgiving? Simple. Because of tradition.

Epicurious
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Epicurious
Delish
Source:
Delish

These actually look pretty good, but who are we to insist? Numbers don’t lie. 29 percent dislike the taste of canned cranberry sauce while 24 percent don’t bother with green bean casserole. So we’re pretty sure these respondents unapologetically skip servings of each during Thanksgiving. Or have very little, if only out of politeness. There’s a bit of regret in there, though. A humble 17 percent only, but that still counts.

So what’s the best workaround for when certain dishes are left untouched or a dent is scarcely made in the serving? Volunteer to host so you can decide what goes on the table and what can be omitted from the usual lineup. After all, 59 percent say they don’t mind hosting one bit despite the work that goes into it.

Now for the important part: dessert.

Delish
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Delish
Good Housekeeping
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Good Housekeeping

94 percent who took the survey confirms that pie is a must on Thanksgiving. It’s the holiday staple they don’t skip. Pumpkin pie is the crowd-pleaser, and following closely behind are apple and pecan pie. However, 21 percent say they eat dessert despite a general dislike for it.

If you’re hosting this year and you’re not up for baking a pie or two, don’t sweat it. Go for a shortcut and serve store bought ones instead. You can be truthful about it or casually say you followed a recipe you just saw.

Whether you’re up for some cranberry sauce or not, or if dessert isn’t something you feel like investing time and effort on this year, the important thing is to celebrate with the people who matter. Eat, drink, be grateful, and be merry.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Source:
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Happy Thanksgiving!

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