Thanksgiving: a time to gather around the table and forget about the gifts while enjoying the company of friends, family, and relatives. Thanksgiving is a time where many come together and reflect upon all the things to be thankful for - family, careers, a home. A common theme weaves its way throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, namely traditions. Traditions are a big part of Thanksgiving from that favorite recipe to all gathering around to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Read below for some of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and a favorite recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The parade is a city tradition dating back to 1924, making it the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country, which attracts more than 3.5 million to the streets and an even larger audience via television. This year marks the 91st parade, and Macy's has set up a special interactive website to browse through the parade over the decades and get a look at this year's lineup. The parade is, perhaps, best known for its large balloon class which has featured many cultural icons over the decades. This year, the lineup is slated to include the likes of the Pillsbury Dougboy, Ice Age's Scrat and his Acorn, and Angry Birds to name a few. The parade route is 2.65 miles long, starting at 77th street and Central Park West.
Route: 77th at Central Park West south to 59th Street.
East on 59th Street to 6th Avenue.
South on 6th Avenue to 34th Street.
West on 34th Street to 7th Avenue.
The admission is free to the Parade. The best place to view it is between 72nd and 61st Street and Central Park West.
The viewing areas along the route gets incredibly crowded. It is recommended that you arrive no later than 6:30am if you plan to scout out a good viewing spot along the route.
Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes
The perfect compliment to the Thanksgiving turkey? Mashed potatoes. This recipe takes traditional mashed potatoes to a new level with sour cream and chive. They are sure to be a crowd pleaser and will have guests coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
Bring potatoes to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes. In a small pot over low heat combine half-and-half and butter. Heat until hot but not simmering. Drain the potatoes in a colander. Wipe the saucepan dry. Add the potatoes back to the saucepan and mash. Give it a quick mix with a hand mixer to incorporate some air and ensure a smooth texture. Fold in the melted butter and half-and-half mixture until just incorporated. Fold in sour cream and 1/4 cup chives and season with salt and pepper.
Of course, it is important to remember what we are grateful for and share that with others. We are so grateful for good health and loyal clients that allow us to do what we love, in one of the best cities in the world!
Happy Thanksgiving!
-The Victoria Shtainer Team