While many attribute the traditional cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving dinner to simple culinary tradition, it may come as a surprise that a lawyer had a significant role in making it mainstream. The concept of canned cranberry sauce that we know and recognize today was first posited by a legal professional motivated by a desire to extend the selling period of his staple crop.
Years after the canned cranberry sauce had become synonymous with family meals during the holiday season, the lawyer behind the culinary twist revealed his heartfelt motivation. Asserting that he wanted to make a contribution to New England, he stated, “You know, everything in life is what you do for others.”
Public opinion on the matter varies widely, with some arguing that the jiggly cranberry item could perhaps best be described as a disruption to the holiday dinner, while others firmly insist that their Thanksgiving meal would be incomplete without it.
Whether you perceive the canned cranberry sauce as marring or enhancing the Thanksgiving dinner, the story of its origin lends an interesting perspective on how even the legal fraternity can influence societal customs and practices. This narrative also adds a new layer to the discussion of how professionals from various arenas can impact the world in their unique ways.
For a more detailed account of this captivating Thanksgiving tale, consider reading the original discussion on Above the Law.