Experts in This Article
Pati Jinich is the host of Patis Mexican Table on PBS.
Shes also the author of the cookbooks Patis Mexican Table and Mexican Today.
I remember that very first year in the States.
My English wasnt very good and my cooking wasnt great either.
But I started spending more time in the kitchen experimenting.
In Mexico, food is such a big part of our culture; every celebration is centered around food.
Pati Jinich is the host of Pati’s Mexican Table on PBS. She’s also the author of the cookbooks Pati’s Mexican Table and Mexican Today.
Id never seen anything like the Thanksgiving meals in these magazines.
Thanksgiving is not a Mexican holiday.
I had never even heard of it when I moved here.
The more I learned about Thanksgiving and the meaning behind it, the more I was charmed.
I just loved the idea of everyone coming together around the table as an act of gratitude.
And I loved that the foods on the table were all rich in tradition.
Thanksgiving recipes are ones that are treasured and passed down through a family, which really spoke to me.
Then, one year, it was our turn to host the meal.
But I actually love my friend Seans traditional turkey!
Pati Jinich is the host of Pati’s Mexican Table on PBS. She’s also the author of the cookbooks Pati’s Mexican Table and Mexican Today.
So every year is a back-and-forth of which one well have.
Its a way to honor my roots while also growing roots here in the States.
Like many others, this year I wont be celebrating Thanksgiving with a big group of friends.
This means that there will be even more leftoversincluding plenty of leftover Mexican turkey.
Leftovers are a big deal in Mexico, as much a part of preparing the meal itself.
We like to cook in batches.
If youre having 10 people over for dinner, youll cook as if 20 people are coming over.
And when we eat the leftovers, we dont just reheat themwe transform them into something truly scrumptious.
The plantains are fried until theyre golden brown and caramelized.
Theyre crispy while the avocado or guac is smooth and buttery.
Its delicious and its also easy to make.
Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours.
Slice your leftover turkey pieces into half-inch slices across the grain and set aside.
Heat about a half-inch oil in a large casserole or frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.
Remove and place on a paper towel covered plate.
Heat your refried beans.
If making the fast guacamole, smash and mix the avocados with the fresh lime juice and salt.
Otherwise, slice your avocados.
If it isnt fresh, toast it for a few minutes.
Place top half on bread on.
Cut in half and eat.
As told to Emily Laurence
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