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The Thanksgiving menu from the USS Iowa reads like an impressive gathering of traditional dishes: turkey noodle soup, roast tom turkey, oyster dressing, candied sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, among others. The menu proclaimed, "served piping hot," which may stir inspiration when you consider the logistical challenges of preparing such a feast at sea.
From this menu, certain unique aspects emerged. Notably, every Thanksgiving menu from that time typically included cigarettes, a curious addition that might raise eyebrows today. However, the focus here is on three specific dishes: cranberry sauce, candied sweet potatoes, and oyster dressing, all of which utilized unconventional ingredients and methods necessary for serving thousands of sailors.