Seafood is a Thanksgiving tradition not only in the Outer Banks

If you’ve never thought of Seafood & Thanksgiving going together, let me guide you through some Pilgrim’s history:

Rumor has it that the Pilgrims’ harvest included oysters – this delicate, luscious seafood (which is abundant in the Outer Banks) stimulated appetites and made its mark as a classic stuffing for the Turkey.

Here’s a quick Outer Banks Seafood Thanksgiving recipe for Oyster Stuffing:

OYSTER STUFFING

1 pint oysters
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter or other fat, melted
4 cups day old bread cubes
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
Dash poultry seasoning
Dash pepper

Drain oysters, saving liquor, and chop. Cook celery and onion in butter until tender. Combine oysters, cooked vegetables, bread cubes, and seasonings, and mix thoroughly, If stuffing seems dry, moisten with oyster liquor.

Makes enough for a 8-pound bird.

But that’s clearly not enough seafood for a real Outer Banks Thanksgiving – so try this recipe as well:

Rockfish with crab and old bay cream sauce

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds rockfish or striped bass fillets
2 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Old Bay with Garlic & Herb Seasoning, divided
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons white wine
1 green onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 ounces backfin or lump crabmeat

Directions

Heat large skillet on medium-high heat 3 minutes. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet. Season flesh side of fish with 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay with Garlic & Herb Seasoning. Place fish, skin-side up, in skillet. Cook 5 minutes, turning fish after 3 minutes. Remove fish from skillet; keep warm. Reduce heat to medium.

Stir wine into skillet, scraping bottom to loosen browned bits. Add remaining butter and green onion; cook and stir 1 minute. Gradually stir in cream.

Stir in mustard and remaining Old Bay with Garlic & Herb Seasoning. Simmer 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Stir in crabmeat. Return fish to skillet; cover. Cook 3 minutes longer or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

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Adding variety to your Thanksgiving table is an excellent way to tweak those family classics that everybody loves.

If you’re not looking to slave on the stove this holidays, get the Red Sky to cook for you: check out our personal chef services, available year round!

Oh – and dont forget – if your family is really big – our outer banks catering team is the solution – we bring classics and creative dishes, along with impeccable service. Sure to boost your Holiday spirit through the roof!