Thanksgiving holds a special place in American culture, a day filled with gratitude, family, and of course, food. As someone from the Philippines, I had never celebrated Thanksgiving before moving to the United States for my Ph.D. in South Dakota. My first experience preparing a Thanksgiving turkey was both exciting and daunting. It was my first time making such an iconic dish, and, of course, I wanted it to be perfect. Also, since I was sharing the meal with friends and classmates who had become my family away from home.
The idea of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner came about when a group of us—mostly international students—decided to celebrate the holiday together. We wanted to experience this American tradition firsthand, and since I was the one most curious about cooking, I volunteered to make the turkey. Little did I know, this would be an adventure in itself.
Having never cooked a turkey before, I turned to my two most reliable resources: Google and my American friends. Google became my go-to guide, providing countless recipes, tips, and videos on how to prepare the perfect roasted turkey. I spent hours researching everything from how to thaw a turkey (I had no idea it could take days!) to the best way to season it. My American friends were incredibly supportive, offering advice on their favorite recipes, stuffing tips, and even loaning me a roasting pan.
As the day of the dinner approached, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The turkey was the centerpiece of the meal, and I wanted to make sure it was delicious. I decided on a classic roasted turkey recipe that involved a herb butter rub, with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a touch of lemon. The simplicity of the recipe appealed to me, as I wanted to keep things traditional for my first attempt.
The night before Thanksgiving, I started the preparation by brining the turkey. This was another new concept for me—soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution with herbs and spices overnight to keep it moist and flavorful. I followed the instructions carefully, hoping that this step would make a big difference in the final result.
On Thanksgiving morning, I woke up early to start cooking. The first task was to remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it thoroughly, and pat it dry. As I worked, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of this enormous bird that I was about to cook. It was so different from the dishes I was used to preparing back home in the Philippines.
Next, I prepared the herb butter, mixing softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Rubbing this fragrant mixture all over the turkey, both under and over the skin, felt like an important moment—I was infusing the bird with flavor, hoping that it would turn out as delicious as I imagined.
Stuffing the turkey was another new experience. I decided to keep it simple with a classic bread stuffing made with sautéed onions, celery, and herbs. Once the turkey was stuffed and seasoned, I placed it in the oven and set the timer. Now came the waiting game.
As the turkey roasted, the aroma that filled the apartment was incredible. The smell of herbs, butter, and roasting meat was so comforting, and it began to feel like a real Thanksgiving. My friends and I spent the afternoon preparing the side dishes—mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie—while the turkey slowly browned and crisped in the oven.
After a few hours, the moment of truth arrived. I took the turkey out of the oven, and it looked golden, crispy, and beautiful. I carefully transferred it to a serving platter and let it rest while we finished up the sides. The anticipation was almost too much to bear as we gathered around the table.
When it was finally time to carve the turkey, I was both nervous and excited. Would it be cooked through? Would it be moist and flavorful? As I made the first slice, I was relieved to see the meat was perfectly done—juicy and tender. The herb butter had worked its magic, infusing the turkey with a wonderful flavor that was both savory and aromatic.
My friends and classmates, many of whom were also experiencing Thanksgiving for the first time, were full of compliments as we dug into the meal. The turkey was a hit, and I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. We laughed, shared stories, and enjoyed the feast, creating memories that I’ll cherish forever.
Looking back, preparing that Thanksgiving turkey was more than just cooking a meal. It was a way of connecting with my new life in the United States, embracing a tradition that was unfamiliar yet meaningful. It was also a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, no matter where we’re from. That Thanksgiving, in the heart of South Dakota, I felt truly thankful—not just for the delicious meal we shared, but for the friends who had become my family and the experiences that were shaping my life.
