Isiah Parnell, new chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy, makes an entrance with wife Tammie. - Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer

Today is being celebrated as Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America. To them, the day is one which is synonymous with celebratory gatherings and, of course, food. But to Jamaicans, it is simply a regular day. However, among Jamaican nationals here, there are American citizens who, despite the distance from their home country, celebrate and recognise the day.

While Tammie Parnell, wife of the US chargé d'affaires to Jamaica will be away from home, she will be celebrating the traditional way. "It is still very important to us even though we are not there. I have four daughters, one is here with me and the other three who aren't with us will be visiting us in time for Thanksgiving Day."

According to her, each daughter has her responsibilities which mean that everyone will be getting down in the kitchen. "We are going to be preparing the traditional meals which include turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, greens and pumpkin and apple pie."

She will be taking full responsibility of the turkey for which she has provided her own technique. No mention was made of her husband's responsibility in the kitchen and for this she gives the reason. "I haven't mentioned anything about my husband because he has the full responsibility to prepare Christmas dinner," she says comically.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

Ringed with autumn fruits and sprigs of sage and filled with cornbread dressing, this richly browned turkey is ready for carving. - Contributed

Some of Tammie's turkey method of preparation

Glaze turkey

Rub a little oil on it

Add salt and pepper

Put in oven upside down so the oil runs to the top

Brown it

Then flip it two hours after.