Tips for Creating a Truly Southern Thanksgiving Dinner

I grew up in Central Texas and although many of our traditions had a decidedly southwestern flare we also enjoyed many southern traditions as well. And nothing was more southern, or as tasty, as our Thanksgiving dinner. Actually our Thanksgiving held many of the same delicacies as much of the rest of the nation but there were some dishes that really sang out southern. Dishes like Black Eyed peas with ham or fried yellow squash. Green bean casserole was always on the table and yes, in case you don't know, it was the mushroom soup, French fried onion green bean casserole. My memories are beginning to make my mouth water.

If you are interested in preparing a truly southern Thanksgiving dinner this year there are a few simple modifications that will give a real southern feel, and taste, to the traditional Thanksgiving fare. Two ways to add southern flavor to your Thanksgiving offering is to prepare a smoked turkey and cornbread dressing.

Smoked turkey is a very southern dish and, in my opinion, delivers much more flavor than its "fresh" counter part. It is also much easier and less fussy to prepare. Since it is, basically, precooked all you need do is heat it through and through which takes much less time than roasting a fresh bird. Cornbread dressing is so southern it practically has an accent and offers much more flavor than its cousin made with white bread. Of course, cornbread dressing is never stuffed into a turkey but prepared as a side dish. My grandmother always prepared her dressing with fresh baked cornbread, left out overnight to dry a little, onions, celery, a little sage and chicken broth.

Other foods that regularly make an appearance on any well-bred southern Thanksgiving table include corn pudding, which is a delicious dish made with whole kernel and cream style corn and then baked until the top is a beautiful golden brown, and stuffed bell peppers which are stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, sausage and rice.

Desserts also play a huge part in southern Thanksgiving feasts. Pecan pie, pumpkin pie and banana pudding are all traditional southern desserts adorning Thanksgiving tables all over the south. My grandmother also prepared lemon meringue and chocolate meringue pies as well.

This Thanksgiving go the southern way and your family and friends will delight in the savory flavors of the south. Check out the article sources for recipes mentioned in this article and have a happy, and delicious, Thanksgiving!