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 many calories does the average American eat on Thanksgiving? ›
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 the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›
Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries. These foods have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, but how did they end up on tables from Maine to California?
How do you politely decline family Thanksgiving? ›
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 long should guests stay for Thanksgiving dinner? ›
While Thanksgiving may be one of the most special dinners you'll enjoy all year, that doesn't mean it should keep your guests at the table for more than two hours maximum.
Which president declared two Thanksgivings in one year? ›
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.
How much weight does the average American gain on Thanksgiving? ›
The average weight gain during this time period is anywhere from 0.8 pounds to just under 2 pounds, according to a research review published in the Journal of Obesity. Where that can start to become a problem is when that extra pound or two sticks around after the holidays, and is on repeat year after year.
Which president made Thanksgiving a permanent national holiday? ›
Later, President Abraham Lincoln took steps towards designating it a permanent federal holiday. Americans traditionally recognize the "first" Thanksgiving as having taken place at Plymouth colony in the autumn of 1621.
What is the main meal on Thanksgiving? ›
Turkey. The roast turkey is the quintessential main dish for Thanksgiving feasts. Remember that no matter what you choose to make, the key to a successful dinner is having a turkey large enough to feed everybody – and to have some leftovers for yourself.
What is the most important food on a Thanksgiving table? ›
We know that the turkey is the showstopper on the table, but we're mostly here for the stuffing. Check out all of our favorite stuffing recipes; our classic stuffing is the undisputed champ of the bunch.
Most folks think spending time with loved ones is the most important part of Thanksgiving. 88% of people surveyed believe knowing the history of Thanksgiving is important. Hosting is the most dreaded aspect of celebrating Thanksgiving. Four out of every five people love Thanksgiving leftovers.
What is actually the most important meal of the day? ›
Breakfast is often called 'the most important meal of the day', and for good reason. As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period. It replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness, while also providing other essential nutrients required for good health.
