Thanksgiving: A Culinary Journey

Credit…David Malosh for The New York Times
Credit…David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Prop Stylist: Megan Hedgpeth.

Reflecting on my inaugural year crafting recipes for the Thanksgiving season, I was filled with excitement at the prospect of creating dishes that would grace countless dining tables. This anticipation was particularly palpable for someone like me, who had spent years in food magazines and bustling test kitchens, where holiday planning commences while the sun is still shining and the beaches are still beckoning.

“You’ll tire of it soon enough,” remarked my supervisor, a seasoned veteran of the Thanksgiving ritual.

As the years passed, I honed my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with an array of turkey preparations—from roasting whole turkeys nestled in fragrant forests of herbs to spatchcocking birds, subjecting them to high heat until their skin crackled with perfection. I even ventured to break down turkeys, searing and basting each piece with rich butter until every morsel reached the ideal temperature for serving. My supervisor’s words rang true; the initial thrill faded over time.

During that extensive turkey testing phase, when the holiday finally arrived, I began to break away from tradition to craft my own unique meal. I delighted in preparing dishes like Peking duck served with delicate pancakes or succulent prime rib complemented by fluffy Yorkshire pudding. Yet, one dish always called me back: fried chicken. Its reputation as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser made every dinner feel like a genuine celebration. Moreover, fried chicken pairs beautifully with a multitude of sides, allowing you to embrace the Thanksgiving spirit by filling the table with a variety of delectable options. And perhaps most importantly, when executed properly, fried chicken offers an undeniable juiciness that turkey simply cannot match.

So, if the thought of turkey leaves you uninspired this year, consider gathering your loved ones around something refreshingly different. Below, you will discover a thoughtfully curated menu for an unforgettable feast, along with essential tips to ensure this Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) becomes your most successful celebration yet.

Watch Sohla Make This Meal From Start to Finish