Happy Thanksgiving!  
Research and writing by Minjeong Son, Editor  
Happy Thanksgiving! Just as Korea has Chuseok, North America has its own traditional Thanksgiving celebration. Thanksgiving originated from the harvest feast held by English Puritans in the fall of 1621, a year after they migrated to America. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it is observed on the second Monday of October. Although the dates differ by country, the essence remains the same: families and friends gather around a bountiful table to share food and express gratitude. Most schools and workplaces also allow a day off on the following Friday, enabling everyone to relax and enjoy the holiday. The Friday after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, a highly anticipated shopping season when stores hold massive sales. However, it remains uncertain whether this year's Thanksgiving will resemble those of previous years due to various restrictions caused by COVID-19. Despite the challenges of the past year, it would be wonderful to reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving and share gratitude for the family and the things we appreciate in our lives as the year comes to a close.

Turkey, an essential part of the Thanksgiving table

Stuffing

Traditional side dishes for the Thanksgiving table include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, roasted squash, and carrots.

Pumpkin Pie

As fall arrives in the United States, pumpkins and pumpkin decorations fill various places, symbolizing a bountiful harvest. When yellow pumpkins start to pile up in markets, it signals the arrival of autumn. Additionally, beverage companies like Starbucks release seasonal drinks such as Pumpkin Spice Latte and coffee infused with pumpkin flavor, filling the chilly season with a warm pumpkin aroma. What benefits does pumpkin offer? The large yellow pumpkins found in markets are typically referred to as winter squash (mature pumpkins), while the green-skinned ones are called sweet pumpkins, which are easier to cook with. Simply steaming sweet pumpkin makes for a delicious treat, and it is popular as a diet food due to its ability to reduce bloating.

Benefits of Sweet Pumpkin  
Sweet pumpkin is rich in various vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in beta-carotene, with 100 grams providing the daily recommended intake of vitamin A for adults. The vitamins and minerals in sweet pumpkin help lower cholesterol levels in the body, preventing vascular diseases and adult-onset illnesses. It also has antioxidant properties that can prevent skin aging and aid in cancer prevention. The high vitamin C content helps with fatigue recovery. Additionally, its high water content and rich fiber promote bowel movement, aiding in constipation prevention. With relatively low calories and high nutritional value, sweet pumpkin is an excellent choice for a diet food. (Source: Naver Encyclopedia)

Sweet Pumpkin Recipes

Sweet Pumpkin Soup  
Create a simple breakfast using sweet pumpkin. Wash one sweet pumpkin thoroughly, cut it in half, and steam it for 15-20 minutes (you can also use a microwave). Remove the skin from the cooked pumpkin, scoop out the insides, and chop it into small pieces. In a pot, combine the pumpkin with 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of salt, and simmer over medium-low heat while stirring. You can blend it together and then heat it again. Optionally, add whipped cream or honey to taste. For a richer vegetable flavor, sauté half an onion, one carrot, and one potato in butter, then add milk and blend it into the pumpkin base before simmering.

Sweet Pumpkin Salad  
Add cubes or slices of slightly firmer steamed sweet pumpkin or grilled sweet pumpkin to your usual homemade salad for a healthy and filling meal.

Sweet Pumpkin Pancakes  
When making pancakes for kids, adding sweet pumpkin can make them sweeter and more nutritious. Cut the sweet pumpkin in half and steam it in a steamer or microwave. After steaming, chop it and blend it with a little milk to create a sweet pumpkin base. Mix this base into your pancake batter according to the recipe, adjusting for consistency, and then cook to finish.