This week we met with team member Sophia to talk about all her Thanksgiving favorites. Sophia is from Hawthorne, New Jersey and claims loyalty to the Taylor Ham Egg and Cheese breakfast sandwich. The holidays are Sophia's favorite time of the year because not only does she get to indulge in great food but also gets to spend time with the people that matter to her the most.
Q: What is the dish you look forward to every Thanksgiving?
A: I love mashed potatoes! I usually eat the vegetables first and then go in with turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes. I always take a big scoop the first time around in case theres not any left for a second helping.
Q: What's the food timeline at your house on Thanksgiving?
A: There is food out all day. For breakfast we do a self-serve set up with bagels, muffins, eggs or cereal and people help themselves. We'll have cold cuts, cheese, vegetables and numerous dips out to snack on throughout the day. Dinner features two small turkeys, mashed potatoes (sweet and golden), roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and usually some version of a walnut and apple salad. Finally, for dessert we have pecan pie, german chocolate cake and ice cream. (Sophia added "I'm feeling full just thinking about it!")
Q: Fried turkey or oven-roasted turkey?
A: I can't say I've ever had fried turkey so I guess oven-roasted turkey. However, there is a rumor circulating in my family that we might try deep frying a turkey this year so I'll be excited to try it!
Q: Canned or freshly made cranberries?
A: I like canned cranberries but at the end of the day I love the rich taste of homemade cranberry sauce. My dad likes to make his cranberries with a little orange juice to give it a nice citrus flavor.
Q: Where do you usually spend the Thanksgiving holiday?
A: My house is the Thanksgiving house in my family! Almost every year we have 15 people gathered around the dinner table and I wouldn't want it any other way. A lot of my family lives scattered across the country so Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year I get to spend with them, which makes this holiday even more special to me.
Q: Does your family have any special Thanksgiving traditions?
A: My parents birthdays are around Thanksgiving so my grandma brings a german chocolate cake every year to celebrate. We also live very close to New York City and go in the day after Thanksgiving to look at all the Christmas window displays on Fifth Avenue.
Q: Tell us the truth, are you a left over person?
A: Yeah definitely! With 15 people around left overs go fast so I don't get sick of eating turkey which, is definitely a good thing. I'm actually working on an article that features out of the box ways to use Thanksgiving leftovers. I definitely want to try turkey nachos!
Q: If you could add one thing to the Thanksgiving dinner table what would it be?
A: This is a tough one. Maybe another bowl of mashed potatoes...just kidding! I guess it would have to be Pillsbury Crescent Rolls because they are just so good and I don't get to eat them that much.
Q: Because every Thanksgiving ends with dessert it only makes sense that this interview does, what is your favorite Thanksgiving desert?
A: Good question! I'd have to say a piece of pie with vanilla ice cream. It's a classic and it's worth all the calories.
To read more from Sophia check out her articles below and contact her via our About Us page or email.