Within the walls of North Atlanta, eager students count down the days until the one-week break in November that doesn’t just promise time off, but a day dedicated to one of the year’s most celebrated feasts. For some, the anticipation of a warm apple pie and creamy macaroni and cheese gets them through the days leading up to the break. However, some don’t share the enthusiasm and have various strong opinions on what Thanksgiving dishes deserve a spot on the table and what should be taken off the menu entirely.
Starting with the main course, when deciding what should be placed in the center of the table, ham and turkey face a challenging rivalry. Turkey is a classic, but ham brings a new taste to the table. Many believe that ham should just stay on sandwiches, while others prefer it over the famous turkey, the poster child for Thanksgiving. Junior Azuka Otuonye has a strong opinion. While she is not against turkey, the introduction of a different course to the table sparks much interest. “This year, my family is actually switching turkey for ham, which makes me excited for a tasty, new addition!” said Otuonye.
Moving down the table, we meet another heated debate: stuffing vs dressing. Although they may seem similar, the Dubs are very passionate about the difference. Multiple student sources state that stuffing, the mixture of vegetables, bread, and herbs baked inside the turkey, is “too mushy” or has an “uncomfortable texture.” Dressing supremacists, however, claim that dressing consists of “perfect seasoning” and “delicious crispy edges” in its casserole composition. After a variety of opinions clashing against each other, sophomore Charlotte Sutherland summed it up perfectly: “Stuffing is literally just wet bread trying to be a side dish.”
Arriving at the dessert course, the most popular battle that is discussed almost all year long is the famous pumpkin vs apple pie. Pumpkin pie is a seasonal treat, perfectly matching the autumn vibe with its spiced flavor, topped with a dollop of whipped cream. On the other hand, apple pie brings a new taste forward with its sweet taste of baked apples and cinnamon, defeating any “bland” allegations. “Pumpkin pie is boring, apple pie is where the true flavor is at,” said senior Brian Whittenton.
The long-awaited Thanksgiving break seems to be underrated compared to the great two weeks off awarded to students in December, but the delectable debates of course vs course are nothing short of enthusiastic for the Dubs here at North Atlanta.
