Happy Thanksgiving! Before sitting down to the family feast, take a closer look at the menu; the ?traditional? turkey, cranberries, vegetables, and pumpkin pie have fascinating histories and backstories of their own. This week’s links serve up some unique table talk:
Ever wonder why turkeys share a name with a country on a different continent? Linguists disagree on the exact story behind the name, but this NPR radio program presents two of the more popular theories.
Move over, turkeys: there’s another carving form in town. The ancient Thai art of Kae Sa Luk creates beautiful sculptures from carved vegetables and fruits. You can find some of the stunning results in the Bangkok-based Carving Institute’s photo collection. Healthy food never looked so good!
Cranberries don’t grow on store shelves?nor do they grow on trees. In fact, the small fruits grow on waterlogged vines, and require very specific conditions in order to survive to maturity. This multimedia web ?course? takes readers behind the often fascinating scenes of cranberry production.
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a pie, pumpkin or otherwise. While You’re waiting for dessert, take a look at the fascinating history of pie making. From preserving a meat filling to anchoring a meal, the once-humble pastry has come a long way!
