Thanksgiving 101

Thanksgiving is coming! This is such an important time of year to get together with friends, family, and to give thanks for what you might normally take for granted. To get ready for this beautiful time of year and exciting holiday, we’ve come up with some perfect additions to both your menu, and your table.

For a Hilton Head Island coastal theme, we’ve got some impeccable blessing beads that’ll not only make for adorable napkin rings, but also show-stopping center pieces. These are Hilton Head Island staples, and they’re also right on par with the coastal theme of your dreams. Your Thanksgiving table will receive so many compliments, and your guests will also notice all the hard work you put into it.

To really sell this coastal Gullah theme, we recommend taking a look at some actual Gullah meals that are native to Hilton Head. For starters, appetizers. Now, for the Gullah people, seafood made for pretty usual appetizers, and they’re all absolutely delicious. To go with an old favorite that takes little preparation, grilled oysters with some butter on top will do the trick, and make for some very happy guests as well! If you aren’t an oyster person (that’s okay, not everyone is!) then she crab soup or crab deviled eggs are also amazing alternatives and nobody would be disappointed.

For the main dish, it was customary for the Gullah culture to roast a hog rather than a turkey. So pork is a very culturally protein to include in your main dish on Thanksgiving. If you aren’t fond of pork, or are really craving a lean meat like turkey, then a Lowcountry turkey breast is a fine, and also delicious option.

For sides, Gullah biscuits and green beans are always a great bet, and you can add clams or bacon to spice these up. Of course, sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes are an amazing Gullah side and one that everyone is sure to enjoy. To go a different but unique route, Gullah red rice is another great an tasty option. Whatever you choose, don’t forget the cranberry sauce.

Dessert is one portion of Thanksgiving dinner that should NOT be missed out on, and the good news is that Gullah desserts are to die for. These can include peach cobblers, berry cobblers, bread pudding, and benne cookies. We have a great recipe for a cobbler on our blog, and we also have great recipes for dessert and more in our stock of Sallie Ann Robinson cookbooks in store/

Preparation should start now! Figure out what you want to feature on your Gullah inspired Thanksgiving menu, and be sure to let us know what you end up serving.