Food
When Is Canadian Thanksgiving and What Dishes Are Served During the Holiday? Everything To Know
While many of us will be gearing up for Thanksgiving in November, Canada gets a head start with their celebrations of this holiday. Canadian Thanksgiving is on October 14 and, just like in the states, is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy delicious food. While this holiday does share similarities with American Thanksgiving, there are some differences that make it unique in its own right. Curious how Thanksgiving is often celebrated in Canada? Read on for more on various dishes and traditions observed on this special occasion.
The history of Canadian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving was first celebrated nationally in Canada in 1879. This officially marked centuries of commemorating the fall harvest, which began with Indigenous populations throughout North America. The Canadian Encyclopedia reports that this holiday was initially organized by Protestant clergy leaders in 1777, who dedicated it as a national day of “public thanksgiving and prayer.” Over time, it became a civic holiday, rather than a religious one, centered around unity and giving thanks.
When is Canadian Thanksgiving?
Canadian Thanksgiving is annually held on the second Monday in October. Typically, it’s celebrated as a three-day long weekend—starting on Saturday until Monday. While it’s recognized throughout most of Canada, Atlantic provinces, such as Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island, regard it as an optional holiday.
What’s the difference between Canadian and American Thanksgiving food?
In addition to spending time with friends and family, we all love Thanksgiving for the food. Between Canadian and American Thanksgiving, the main meal is fairly consistent: a roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and other hearty dishes. However, a province like Newfoundland and Labrador takes a different approach to Thanksgiving dinner by serving what’s called a “Jiggs’ Dinner”—which consists of corned beef, root vegetables and split peas.
Similar to American Thanksgiving, you might see pumpkin pie served for dessert during the Canadian holiday. But, rather than being super sweet, the pie filling is infused with more cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves to give it an extra spiced flavor. Other treats such as Sugar Pie and Butter Tarts may also grace the dessert table in some households. Ultimately, this feast is much anticipated for both countries.
A recipe that gives you a taste of Canadian Thanksgiving
For a taste of what Canadian Thanksgiving offers, try this pumpkin pie from Canadian Food Focus blog. It has plenty of spices to give the filling a sweet and aromatic flavor. The original recipe and video call for preparing the crust from scratch. Though, we highlighted key steps for making the filling and baking the pie below.
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 (9-inch) cold pie shells, homemade or store-bought
Filling:
- 4 eggs
- 3½ cups pure pumpkin purée (one 28 oz. can)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- 3 cups half-and-half
- Freshly grated nutmeg
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- Yield: 2 pies
-
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in lowest position.
-
In bowl, whisk eggs until blended. Whisk in pumpkin. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves and whisk until blended. Gradually whisk in half-and-half. Pour into pie shells, dividing equally. Grate fresh nutmeg over top.
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Bake 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake about 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. (Note: A metal pie plate will take a shorter time in range while glass pie plate will take longer.)
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Let pies cool completely on wire rack before cutting. Serve with whipped cream (if desired) and enjoy!
-
Note: The pies can be stored, loosely covered with foil, at room temperature for up to a day. Refrigerate leftovers for up to two days longer.
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