At the table with
William McKinley.

THE HISTORICAL TABLE

Thanksgiving, with oysters in the turkey

The McKinley White House Thanksgiving dinner of 1897 featured a large turkey stuffed with oysters, accompanied by potatoes, cranberry and pies. This is a recorded holiday meal, which gives the turkey a firmer connection than an unsupported list of personal favourites.

Our recipe makes a smaller, everyday version with turkey breast and herb-bread stuffing. The original oyster stuffing belongs to the story; this home adaptation uses readily available ingredients and cooks the stuffing separately. The centrepiece still gives you crisp skin, tender slices and a proper gravy spoonful.