Giving Thanks: A Multicultural Thanksgiving

Most Thanksgiving festivities feature an incredible array of food. Unlike the original gathering, it is now a multicultural feast.  Here's a list of the top 10 foods your guests will surely celebrate with second and third portions:

1. Traditional Turkey: Although some people prefer a Thanksgiving ham, most turkey is still at the top of the list. How to prepare it is up for debate. Some argue for roast turkey and stuffing, but there are deep-frying aficionados who disagree. O'Casey's Tavern in New York City soaks a turkey in 100-proof vodka, and serves it with vodka gravy, a vodka shot, and a vodka martini!
2. Seafood: Why not look at seafood options for the entrée? It is no longer just an appetizer. Seafood is faster to cook, delicious to eat, and pairs well with traditional Thanksgiving sides. Salmon, crab, lobster, and shrimp, are all ready to take on the turkey this year.
3. Vegan: Thanksgiving can be meatless. Delish has a full vegan menu, from appetizers and main course items to a tasty vegan pumpkin pie.
4. Sides: Most Thanksgiving dinners will feature the traditional creamy mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, a green bean casserole, and rolls, but Food Network came up with 102 classic side dishes, including Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon.
5. Dessert: Most Thanksgiving desserts fall directly onto the pie plate – pumpkin, apple, pecan, which never disappoint with a dollop of cream, but Pioneer Woman would also like to suggest a Pumpkin Trifle or a Mississippi Mud Pie, among other tasty sensations.
6. Drinks: Try a Pumpkin Spice Mule, Appletini, or a Cranberry Orange Whiskey Sour to wet your whistle.
7. Soul Food: Enjoy some African American culture in your celebration with sweet potato pie, BBQ turkey, corn casserole, and delicious cornbread.
8. Latin Spice: A Latin celebration includes unique flavors that can elevate your Thanksgiving spread. Try tamales, a spicy salsa verde, pastelón instead of stuffing, and flan or churros for dessert.
9. Italian: You'll want to mangia more, with Italian options like antipasti dishes, lasagna, Italian stuffing, and cannolis.
10. Hawaiian: Although not traditional, Hawaiian fare including Sweet and Spicy Meatballs with Mango Salsa, Purple Potato Soup, Coconut Sweet Potatoes Wild Rice, and Coconut Cream Island Punch are all delicious ideas!

Looking for a few showstoppers? Try Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Frog Eye Salad, and Jones Special Release Turkey and Gravy Soda! Whatever you serve, dig in, enjoy with friends, and make it a memorable Thanksgiving.