.                   

One of my favorite holidays is Thanksgiving.  As a Puertorican kid growing up in a Puertorican household.  I loved this day because it is the one time of the year that I get to see everyone that I haven’t seen as well eat all the amazing dishes that my mom, aunt, and grandma cook. Even some of the young kids or teenagers get together and cook something to share with family and friends.  This time of the year is very special to me because I get to cook and learn recipes that have been passed down from other family members.  It is also the time of the year where we give Thanks to GOD for all the wonderful things he gives us through the year.  On this day, everyone forgets about work, cellphones, or worries and just enjoys the time with family and friends.  I love getting together with all my cousins and joking, laughing, eating, and dancing. 

 After our Thanksgiving dinner we usually say thanks to each other and especially my grandma. Then we start to write everyone’s name and add them to a grab bag as one of our family traditions we do every year.  The idea of this grab bag is to have a gift exchange on Christmas Eve and to guess what person got what or what person gave it to you.    

1. Turkey
2. Arroz con Gandulez (Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon peas)
3. Stuffing 
4. Sweet potatoes 
5. Ham 
6. Codito Salad  (This is a pasta salad with Chicken) 
7. Ensalada de papa ( potato salad) 
8. Pasteles  (This is similar to a Mexican Tamale but different) 
9. Bread
10. Flan (This is like a cream brûlée) 
11. Arroz con Dulce (This is a sweet rice with raisin) 
12. Cheese Cake
13. Cherry Pie
14. Cake ( pineapple upside down cake) 
15. Caesar Salad
16. Fruit Salad
17. Coquito  (is a Puerto Rican Holiday drink similar to the American eggnog but made different)
18. Water