Stock and broth are more or less the same thing, a mixture of any combination of meats (including poultry or seafood), bones, vegetables or herbs simmered in a large quantity of water, then strained.
You can use either stock or broth for keeping dressing moist or as a basis for gravy, but a strong flavor will give you better results. The strength of the flavor depends on how the mixture was prepared: the quantities and proportions of the ingredients, amount of water used, whether the meats or bones or vegetables were roasted before simmering, and how long the mixture was simmered.
Chefs rely on stock as an ingredient in itself: the basis for other soups, stews, gravies and sauces, using it instead of water for steaming, even putting it into salad dressings and co*cktails. Stock can be weak or strong in flavor, depending on what the chef requires and how much effort is put into making it. The cans or cartons of broth that we see in the markets have a medium-strong flavor that makes them suitable for serving as a finished soup.
When you see a recipe that calls for "stock or broth," what it is really saying is "homemade or canned." Which one you choose depends on your inclinations. Though I keep a supply of homemade stock in my freezer, I often use broth from cans or cartons (usually labeled broth but, confusingly, may also be labeled stock) for my everyday cooking. Canned broth can be simmered to reduce it and strengthen the flavor, if you think it's a bit too weak for your purposes. The best trick to boosting flavor from canned chicken broth is to simmer the bones of a (purchased) roasted chicken in it for an hour.
At Thanksgiving, though, I make my own stock. I always roast two turkeys, preparing a small one the day before Thanksgiving. After removing the meat from that turkey (setting it aside for leftover sandwiches), I simmer the bones with herbs and vegetables to make a strongly-flavored stock for my favorite gravy, Mark Bittman's Make-Ahead Gravy. If that seems extreme — and perhaps it is — turkey broth/stock from the supermarket will work perfectly well.
FAQs
The centerpiece of contemporary Thanksgiving in the United States is Thanksgiving dinner (informally called turkey dinner), a large meal generally centered on a large roasted turkey.
How do I get out of a family Thanksgiving dinner? ›
Excuses We Wish We Could Use To Get Out Of Thanksgiving Dinner
- "I'm not feeling well." ...
- "I hate my [sister/brother/aunt/uncle/dad/mom/grandma/grandad/in-law]." ...
- "I'm having dinner with friends." ...
- "I'm volunteering."
Americans take in 3,000 to 4,500 calories at their Thanksgiving celebrations, according to estimates by the Calorie Control Council. The meal we created has less than 2,000 calories but still contains a variety of seasonal favorites.
What are 3 foods that are eaten on Thanksgiving? ›
Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries.
Why is turkey eaten on Thanksgiving? ›
Finally, amid the Civil War in 1863, Hale got her wish: President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. The turkey comes in because the big birds were plentiful in New England, often distributed to soldiers in the Army.
Is it okay to skip family Thanksgiving? ›
“Stop trying to outrun regret,” Dr Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, said. If you regret not spending time with family over the holidays it doesn't necessarily mean you made the wrong decision. “The healthy and loving people in your family system can and should respect your boundaries,” she says.
How do you deal with a difficult family at Thanksgiving? ›
Tips for a Peaceful Thanksgiving with Family
- Let Go of Situations Not in Your Control. ...
- Surround Yourself with Positivity. ...
- Set Healthy Boundaries. ...
- Focus on the Positive. ...
- Get Comfortable Saying “No.” ...
- Focus on Family Traditions. ...
- Limit Unnecessary Stressors. ...
- Engage in Self Care.
Thank them for the invitation. Just say you must decline and you don't need to provide a reason. If you have a reason like a conflict, share if they ask and you are comfortable. If not, just say it is for personal reasons and repeat that though you appreciate the invitation, you must sadly decline.
How do you make Thanksgiving feel special? ›
Say a Toast
There's no better way to celebrate the togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving than with a toast. You can ask one person to take the lead or go around the table and have everyone share what they're thankful for.
How do you get rid of stress on Thanksgiving? ›
Here a few ways to keep stress at a minimum:
- Ask for help. Divide and conquer your to-do list with the help of family member or guests. ...
- Take a deep breath. Practice deep breathing. ...
- Enjoy the atmosphere. ...
- Make time for a turkey trot. ...
- Keep the meal manageable. ...
- Don't beat yourself up.
Popular Thanksgiving foods ranked
- Stuffing.
- Potatoes. ...
- Pies and other sweets. ...
- Other random foods. ...
- Rolls. Though rolls are certainly not a main dish, they are a key element of any Thanksgiving meal. ...
- Turkey. The classic entree for Thanksgiving is definitely a large turkey dish. ...
On Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1939, Franklin Roosevelt carved the turkey at the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Warm Springs, Georgia, and wished all Americans across the country a Happy Thanksgiving.
Which president made Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday? ›
Lincoln declared it for the last Thursday in November. On June 28, 1870, President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Holidays Act that made Thanksgiving a yearly appointed federal holiday in Washington, D.C.
What is the main meal on Thanksgiving? ›
Turkey. The roast turkey is the quintessential main dish for Thanksgiving feasts.
What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›
Turkey. Just as it's a traditional meat used for Christmas dinner, turkey is favoured because it's big – and that means it can feed a whole family. Turkeys are usually stuffed with chestnuts and/or sausage meat and grains and baked in the oven before being carved at the table for everyone to enjoy.
What is the most important thing on Thanksgiving? ›
It's the most wonderful time of the year in the US – a time for food, family, friends, and being thankful. Originating as a harvest festival, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays in the US. People across the country gather together to share a meal and reflect on all the things they're grateful for.
