Thanksgiving with a Twist: Asheville Residents Embrace New Traditions and Local Flavors

Thanksgiving with a Twist: Embracing Renewed Traditions in Asheville

As the holiday season approaches, residents of Asheville are getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, but this year, things might feel a bit different. Many of us are still feeling the echoes of a challenging year and the shifts in our beloved landscapes. This time around, it’s a moment to reflect on how we can come together, rebuild, and support each other, even when our experiences diverge.

A Season for Gratitude

Thanksgiving has long been associated with abundance, gratitude, and the bountiful harvest from our lands. Yet, this season also invites us to consider the realities faced by those who have lost homes or businesses, as well as the Indigenous communities that have their own complicated relationship with this holiday.

With November also being Native American Heritage Month, it presents a beautiful opportunity to explore what we can learn from Indigenous cultures, especially regarding land stewardship. As we sit down to enjoy our meals, it’s worth asking ourselves: “What are we really cherishing and cultivating on these lands?” and “What does a truly fulfilling life for everyone look like?”

Insights from Native American Wisdom

If you’re interested in these thought-provoking topics, the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a scientist and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, dives deeply into themes of connection with the living world. It sheds light on the importance of reciprocal relationships, shared wealth, and the idea of a gift economy.

Flavors of the Season

As we prepare to fill our tables with delicious food, let’s consider incorporating Indigenous foodways into our Thanksgiving spread. Right now, winter squash is a fantastic ingredient to work with and is readily available at local farmers’ markets. You’ll also find an array of traditional ingredients like apples, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, eggs, greens, carrots, and more.

If you’re feeling creative but don’t want to tackle a huge meal, why not try a butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and apple stuffing? It’s not only scrumptious but packed with seasonal goodness.

Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Stuffing Recipe

Here’s a simple, vegan recipe that can easily be customized. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Peel and cube a medium butternut squash, slice two crunchy apples, and chop a big handful of brussels sprouts, three ribs of celery, and three shallots into bite-sized pieces.

In a large bowl, mix all these ingredients with fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme, along with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything until it’s well-coated and then spread it out on a sheet pan. Roast these veggies in the oven until tender, which will take around 30 minutes.

While those are baking away, slice and cube a baguette (perfect for using any stale bread!). In the same bowl, toss the cubed bread with pecans, more olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place it on another sheet pan to toast in the oven for the last 5-10 minutes of the veggie roasting time.

Once both mixtures are ready, combine them in an oiled baking dish with 1.5 cups of vegetable broth and add a splash of apple cider if you’re feeling adventurous. Lower the oven temperature to 350 and allow the stuffing to bake for another 30 minutes—and there you have it, a delightful dish bursting with flavors!

Supporting Local Farmers

This season is not just about feasting but also supporting local farmers. Head over to Buncombe County’s tailgate markets where you can find a wealth of winter squash, fresh herbs, apples, and artisan bread. Gaining Ground Farm and Creasman Farms have a fantastic selection to give your Thanksgiving a local spin!

As the holiday market season kicks off, now is a perfect time to find unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans. Just a heads up, the last market for the East Asheville Tailgate is on November 22! So, make sure to grab your veggies and enjoy those last few markets before Thanksgiving.

Conclusion

As we gather this season, let’s embrace the spirit of rebuilding and gratitude, while also honoring the traditions that enrich our community. Whether it’s through nourishing meals, supporting local farmers, or reflecting on the stories of those who came before us, this Thanksgiving can be a time of connection and shared abundance.