I'm Mr. Thanksgiving.  It's seriously my favorite holiday.  I host Thanksgiving every year, and I have a list of staples that have to absolutely be on the table for Thanksgiving, or it's ruined.  I've been to other people's homes on Thanksgiving and have seen one or more items on the list that weren't there, and let me tell you:  It wasn't pretty.

  • Creatas Images
    Creatas Images
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    A whole turkey

    I know this seems ridiculous that I would even need to say it, but I've seen Thanksgiving meals where turkey wasn't served.  What did they eat?  Some type of damn salad with Tofu.  This is America and we eat turkey on Thanksgiving.

    Oh, and it needs to be a whole turkey.  None of this turkey roll, turkey sandwiches, turkey breast only, or whatever else.  It's got to be a whole turkey.  It doesn't have to be huge, just a turkey.

  • Inga Nielsen
    Inga Nielsen
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    Home made mashed potatoes

    I honestly don't have anything against instant mashed potatoes, except for the 4th Thursday in November.    When it comes to Thanksgiving, it's got to be authentic from scratch.  Otherwise, why bother?

  • Robyn Mackenzie
    Robyn Mackenzie
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    Gravy

    When it comes to gravy I'm not exactly a purist.  From scratch gravy is the best, and how to make it is something that every Thanksgiving Day chef should know.  There have been several times in the past where I had to jump in and help save the day by making gravy.

    However in my house, we used either packet gravy or canned gravy.  I know it's not ideal but it gets the job done.  The only reason we do this is because I deep fry our turkey and there aren't any drippings to make the gravy.

  • Brent Hofacker
    Brent Hofacker
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    Stuffing

    Stuffing.  Home made is best, but Stove Top will do.  Whatever you have to do, make sure there is stuffing on the table.

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    Green Bean Casserole

    It's the vegetable portion of the meal, and it's also coincidentally the most unhealthy way you can eat vegetables.  But man is it good!

  • Joel Carillet
    Joel Carillet
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    Cranberry Sauce

    Once again, as long as it's Cranberry it'll pass.  We do the traditional Ocean Spray can with ribbed lines in it served in a fancy tray.  Nobody really likes the taste, but everyone needs to have at least a bite.  It's tradition whether you like it or not!

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    Dinner Rolls

    Dinner rolls are the filler food for the meal.  It's great for wiping up the leftover gravy!

  • Eric Hood
    Eric Hood
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    Pumpkin Pie

    And, it definitely wouldn't be Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie.

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