Thanksgiving celebrations in 2020 took on new meaning amidst the pandemic. Families sought ways to make the holiday special while prioritizing health and supporting local businesses. This guide highlights thoughtful gift options that capture the spirit of a Texas Thanksgiving.
The best Thanksgiving gifts for families in 2020 focused on high-quality, locally-sourced food items from Texas producers. Artisanal foods, specialty ingredients, and gourmet meal kits allowed loved ones to enjoy delicious flavors even when gathering in person wasn’t possible. These edible gifts provided a taste of tradition while adapting to the year’s unique circumstances.
Beyond food, the guide features gifts that foster togetherness and gratitude. Board games, virtual experiences, and charitable donations in recipients’ names aligned with the holiday’s emphasis on family and giving back to the community. These thoughtful presents helped Texans create meaningful connections despite physical distance.
Exploring Thanksgiving Traditions in Texas
Texas puts its own unique spin on Thanksgiving, blending traditional holiday elements with local flavors and customs. The Lone Star State’s approach to this beloved holiday showcases its rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality.
The Essential Texas Thanksgiving Menu
A Texas Thanksgiving table often features fried or smoked turkey as the centerpiece. This cooking method imparts a distinct flavor and crispy texture to the bird. Alongside the turkey, Texans serve classic sides with a regional twist.
Cornbread dressing, seasoned with sage and often including pecans, is a staple. Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows and pecans satisfies the sweet tooth. Green bean casserole and cranberry sauce round out the traditional offerings.
For dessert, pecan pie reigns supreme, showcasing Texas’s abundance of pecans. Pumpkin pie and fruit cobblers are also popular choices.
Regional Thanksgiving Specialties
Texas’s diverse culinary influences shine through in regional Thanksgiving specialties. In South Texas, tamales often make an appearance on the holiday table. These corn husk-wrapped delicacies reflect the area’s Mexican-American heritage.
Gulf Coast regions might incorporate seafood, such as oyster dressing or shrimp-studded dishes. In West Texas, quail or venison sometimes replace or accompany turkey as the main dish.
Tex-Mex flavors frequently appear in side dishes. Jalapeño cornbread, spicy cranberry salsa, and chili-spiced roasted vegetables add a distinctive Texas kick to the meal.
Some families serve Texas-style barbecue alongside traditional fare, highlighting the state’s renowned BBQ culture.
Gifts That Celebrate Texas Cuisine
Texas cuisine offers a wealth of unique flavors and ingredients that make for exceptional gifts. From artisanal products to local spirits and cookbooks, there’s something to delight every food enthusiast.
Artisan Foods and Spices
Texas artisans produce an array of gourmet foods and spices that capture the essence of the state’s culinary traditions. Extra virgin olive oils from Texas Hill Country orchards make excellent gifts, offering a taste of the region’s Mediterranean-inspired agriculture.
Specialty spice blends, like pumpkin spice or barbecue rubs, showcase Texas flavors. These can elevate dishes like cornbread dressing or grilled meats. Local honey varieties, ranging from wildflower to mesquite, provide a sweet taste of Texas terroir.
Artisanal salsas and hot sauces from Austin, Dallas, and Houston highlight the state’s love for bold, spicy flavors. Gift baskets featuring Texas-made jams, pickles, and candied pecans offer a diverse sampling of local specialties.
Texas-Sourced Wines and Spirits
The Texas wine and spirits industry has grown significantly, producing high-quality beverages that make memorable gifts. Texas Hill Country wineries offer robust reds and crisp whites that rival those from more established wine regions.
Craft distilleries across the state produce unique spirits like Texas bourbon, vodka, and gin. Many incorporate local ingredients like Ruby Red grapefruit or Hill Country lavender for distinctive flavors.
For non-alcoholic options, Texas-made craft sodas and sparkling waters feature local flavors like prickly pear or pecan. These beverages provide a refreshing taste of the Lone Star State.
Cookbooks and Cooking Guides
Texas-themed cookbooks make ideal gifts for home cooks looking to explore the state’s diverse culinary landscape. Books featuring Texas barbecue techniques and recipes are popular choices, offering insights into this beloved cooking tradition.
Cookbooks focusing on Tex-Mex cuisine provide recipes for classic dishes like enchiladas and fajitas. Others explore regional specialties from different parts of Texas, from Gulf Coast seafood to East Texas soul food.
Cooking guides dedicated to using Texas-grown ingredients help recipients make the most of local produce and products. These books often include tips for sourcing ingredients and supporting local farmers and producers.
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner in Texas
A true Texas Thanksgiving combines traditional holiday favorites with unique Lone Star State flair. The centerpiece is always a perfectly roasted turkey, accompanied by sides that showcase regional flavors and ingredients.
Preparing the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
For an authentic Texas-style turkey, start with a 12-14 pound bird. Brine it overnight in a mixture of salt, brown sugar, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Roast the turkey at 325°F, basting regularly with melted butter infused with sage and thyme.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. This typically takes 3-4 hours. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to ensure juicy meat.
For added flavor, some Texans opt to smoke their turkeys. Use a mild wood like pecan or oak for 30-40 minutes per pound at 225-250°F.
Sides and Accompaniments with a Texan Twist
Classic sides get a Texas makeover for the ultimate holiday feast. Cornbread stuffing incorporates jalapeños and chorizo for a spicy kick. Swap plain mashed potatoes for garlic-roasted red potatoes seasoned with rosemary and sea salt.
Green bean casserole gets an upgrade with fresh green beans and crispy fried shallots. Add diced green chiles to the cream sauce for extra zing.
For a uniquely Texan touch, serve sweet potato casserole topped with candied pecans. Include a corn pudding or hominy casserole as another regional favorite.
Don’t forget cranberry sauce spiked with orange zest and a splash of bourbon. Finish the meal with pecan pie or pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
Adding a Personal Touch to Your Holiday Gifting
Personalized gifts demonstrate thoughtfulness and create lasting memories. Handmade items and customized selections show extra care during the holiday season.
DIY Food Baskets
Create custom food baskets filled with homemade Texas treats. Include jars of spicy salsa, smoky barbecue sauce, and sweet peach preserves. Add locally sourced items like artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and small-batch honey.
Wrap everything in a rustic wooden crate or woven basket. Tie with a festive ribbon and attach a handwritten note. This personal touch transforms simple ingredients into a memorable gift.
Consider dietary restrictions when assembling baskets. Offer vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut-free options to accommodate various needs.
Handcrafted Kitchenware
Personalized cutting boards make practical and cherished gifts. Choose high-quality wood like maple or walnut. Engrave family names, meaningful dates, or favorite recipes.
Hand-thrown ceramic serving platters or bowls add a unique touch to holiday tables. Commission local artisans to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Select glazes that complement the recipient’s home decor.
Monogrammed aprons or kitchen towels offer both functionality and style. Embroider initials or fun cooking-related phrases. Pick durable fabrics in festive colors or patterns.
Custom Gourmet Gift Sets
Curate personalized flavor collections for food enthusiasts. Assemble a BBQ lover’s kit with regional rubs, sauces, and wood chips. Create a Tex-Mex sampler with artisanal salsas, spices, and hot sauces.
Design a coffee or tea lover’s set with locally roasted beans or specialty loose-leaf blends. Include a personalized mug and brewing accessories. Add gourmet cookies or biscotti for a sweet touch.
For bakers, compile a gift box of premium vanilla, exotic spices, and high-quality chocolate. Include a family recipe card or a small batch of homemade treats as inspiration.