This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
Even though it is much less popular in Quebec than in the United States, the Thanksgiving holiday can be a good opportunity to get together and enjoy a traditional, fall, or even festive meal. So, let’s eat!
Thanksgiving often has a practical nature in Quebec. We take advantage of this long weekend to close up our cottage, prepare our backyard for winter or decorate our house for Halloween. Whereas among our American neighbors, the Thanksgiving holiday is sacred. Every year, since 1789, they have feasted on 46 million stuffed turkeys, accompanied by mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.
Two countries, two visions, and even two different holiday dates, since in Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 2e Monday in October, while in the United States it is the last Thursday in November. And yet, one common trait: turkey, of course! For what ? Because the guinea hen, as Western settlers called it upon their arrival, was very common in North America and already had its place in the meals of indigenous communities, particularly during harvest festivals in the fall. This tradition goes back much longer than we think.
Gourmet stop at the butcher
The simplest solution to recreate Thanksgiving at home is to go to certain butcher shops, such as that of the Black Prince, at the Jean-Talon Market in Montreal, to stock up on local turkeys to cook, as well as various dishes prepared.
“We like to work on themes,” says Félix Francoeur, the owner of this institution. So, Thanksgiving, for us, is a bit like our rehearsal for Christmas. » The butcher’s therefore offers fresh turkeys in several sizes: in half (for 2 to 3 people), and from 4.5 kg (for 4 to 5 people) to 11 kg (for 10 to 12 people).
But it is also possible to buy on site, if you don’t want to cook, roast turkey stuffed with a game preparation – for example, with a duck, blueberry and cheese stuffing. Just like venison, wild boar or guinea fowl pies, classic brown or cranberry sauce, braised beef, homemade charcuterie, or even, if you want to treat yourself, foie gras au torchon.
The total, American style
Caterers who offer a typical Thanksgiving menu are not easily found in Quebec. However, at Épicerie Conserva in Montreal, which offers a catering service, this celebration has had its place for six years.
“As a Portuguese, I never really celebrated that. But my wife insisted on it,” says the owner, John Barros. However, the couple, who lacked time, were unable to find a caterer who could entertain their entire family. “We therefore began to offer a complete menu for the occasion, with loyal customers who order it from us year after year,” says the grocer.
This formula includes a 5 kg to 6 kg brined turkey, homemade sausage stuffing (or mushroom stuffing, upon request), a brown sauce and another with cranberries, carrots and potatoes, as well as ‘a butternut squash pie. Enough to feed around ten people or, if there are fewer of us, to eat over the following week. “We often prepare leftovers at home into sandwiches, soups or pâtés,” confirms Mr. Barros.
Thanksgiving à la carte
To eat well alone, with 2 or 12 without hassle, there’s nothing like ready-to-heat meals delivered to your home. But even then, few caterers here have an offer for Thanksgiving.
Antoine.ca, a small Quebec business recognized for the quality and eco-responsibility of its concept (all dishes are delivered in reusable dishes and a cooler), has however decided to offer a series of options for the occasion. “I wanted to find dishes in this section similar to those I was served when I was young, with a little extra gastronomic touch,” explains the founder, Antoine Masson-Delisle.
It will therefore be possible to order a festive menu on the website the week before: turkey medallions stuffed with sausages and pistachios, bites of chicken thighs with prosciutto, confit duck legs served with risotto with mushrooms, braised beef with marsala, as well as a salad of quinoa, cauliflower and roasted butternut squash.
Revisiting tradition
There are now many ways to enjoy Thanksgiving, with or without turkey on the menu. Just as comforting and unifying, prepared fall dishes are ideal for celebrating this holiday, such as homemade squash ravioli and chocolate, raspberry and blueberry pie from Al Dente, in Baie-Saint-Paul; or the pumpkin soup, various pâtés and rhubarb pie at the Langlois Chez Médé farm, in Neuville.
Finally, at Saucisses et Compagnie, in Chambly, the owner, Louis-David Douville, decided to give a nod to Thanksgiving with several ready-to-cook dishes: Disney-style brined and smoked turkey drumsticks as well as as turkey breasts or thighs stuffed with homemade cranberry sausage and wrapped in bacon.
“You can also opt for stuffed flank steak with a mushroom sauce, or for signature sausages with candied onions and gruyere, which taste like onion soup,” he suggests. We won’t be asked too much!
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