Let Me Feed You the Food of My People

As Thanksgiving is almost upon us (how the hell did that happen?) I thought I’d share with you a family recipe that is near and dear to my heart. I don’t recall the origins of this particular dish, but it is something that my father has been making, without fail, since I was but a wee lad. As far as I know it doesn’t have a proper name and is only referred to as the ‘Green Jello Dish.’



Now this side dish isn’t for everyone. I would go so far as to say that it isn’t for anyone, but clearly there are a few well-refined individuals out there who can appreciate the subtle combination of flavors this dish has to offer. Having been force fed it for most of my 33 years, I can say with great assurance that you’ll eventually get used to it. Love it, even.

THE GREEN JELLO DISH
(approximately, as I apparently don’t have the recipe on file)

3-4 cups of shredded green cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 15oz can of Crushed Pineapple (drained, with juice set aside)
1 3oz package of Lime Jell-O
1 cup hot water
1 cup cold water (which includes the saved pineapple juice)

1. Make the Jell-O like normal.

2. Combine the Jell-O, cabbage, carrots and crushed pineapple in a ring mold.

3. Refrigerate until firm.

4. Watch your friends eye the dish warily and then opt instead for an extra helping of mashed potatoes.

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This year I’m actually doing Thanksgiving with my girlfriend’s family, which has left me scrambling for dishes to make. Apparently all the standard sides and desserts are already taken care of so I’ve had to think outside the box.

I’m going to fall back on one of my favorites, a Broccoli-Cheddar soup recipe from Cooks’ Illustrated. I figure both soups and broccoli aren’t normally featured during Thanksgiving, so doubling up is unlikely. Plus you can use it in place of gravy!

Beyond that I’m kind of at a loss. I can have another go at Cooks’ Illustrated Blueberry Pie, or I could hunt down a roll recipe of some sort. Right now I’m looking at these two, but my cousin Katy has a kick ass recipe I’m hoping she’ll be able to get to me by tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!