Country Crock commissioned a survey earlier this month to dig deeper into the food trends and Thanksgiving kitchen stressors and had some pretty unexpected results!
Survey Findings
Squash dishes and Green bean casserole take a back-seat ― Mac ‘n Cheese is in demand
• 47% would nix a squash dish and green bean casserole from the Thanksgiving table; while 50% want mac ‘n cheese added to the table
Dishes must be “photo ready” ― DIY buttery compounds are perfect for Pinterest
• 55% are likely to post photos of their favorite Thanksgiving dish on social media
It’s not just one traditional Thanksgiving anymore
• 44% of people attend two or more Thanksgivings per year
Leftovers are required ― If you’re tired of turkey sandwiches, try a Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
• 96% plan to eat leftovers from the Thanksgiving meal in the days following the holiday
• 42% plan to incorporate leftovers into a new dish, so forget the sandwich and consider a casserole
Pie is still a must ― Don’t forget the pumpkin
• 42% prefer pumpkin pie and 19% prefer apple pie
Make sure you get the stuffing right ― apple pecan holiday stuffing will help you do it
Stuffing is the second most popular dish (22%) after turkey (41%); it’s loved more than sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes combined
It’s not just the host cooking these days ― so be prepared to make a side dish everyone loves, like creamy mashed potatoes
• 64% ask a guest to bring one or more dishes to pass
• 63% prefer their potatoes to be mashed rather than baked, roasted, scalloped, twice-baked or boiled
It’s the most stressful time of the year ― so have easy, go-to recipes on hand
• When hosting a Thanksgiving meal, more than half of people (60%) indicated their stress was food related ― preparing the food (26%); post-holiday meal clean-up (15%); shopping for ingredients (10%); putting the menu together (7%); finding recipes (2%)
• 79% of Thanksgiving hosts spent two or more days preparing for Thanksgiving, whereas 21% spent one day or less
• 66% of people have experienced stress when planning and preparing to host a Thanksgiving meal
It’s about “togetherness” ― whether it’s in the kitchen or at the table
• 53% of respondents are hosting 10 or more guests for Thanksgiving
• 74% involve either their family, kids, friends and/or guests in the cooking and baking process
• 72% of parents with kids at home let them help with food prep; mostly stirring/mixing ingredients (43%) and taste testing (19%)
• 58% plan to include extended family (grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins) at their Thanksgiving celebration
• One in three plan to have friends attend
I would have to agree with pretty much all of the results. I know I sure want my pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. How about you? Any must haves on your list?