Friendsgiving's Enduring Success Through Culinary Innovation and Inclusivity

Key Quotes

"and i think the hot take here is if if it's not a constant rate then it doesn't mean anything right you might as well do the mac thing and just have a spinny the spinning wheel at least is honest it tells you something's happening something's happening and i would even accept percent complete right because while you might be tempted to make that a function of time some aspects of a function might take more time than other aspects and so i wouldn't expect it to be at a constant rate but when you give me time yeah when you give me time and then it doesn't represent that time what the what"

Eric argues that progress bars which display "time remaining" are misleading if the rate is not constant. He suggests that a simple spinning wheel or a "percent complete" indicator would be more honest, as the actual time taken for different parts of a process can vary significantly. This highlights a frustration with software design that presents inaccurate or meaningless information to the user.

"and i'm mad now 24 years later that again you can go to tj maxx and get friendsgiving paraphernalia you can get like holiday friendsgiving stuff to decorate your house and we even bought some stuff which is kind of kind of dumb way to support big friendsgiving year i know"

Eric expresses frustration that the term "Friendsgiving," which he and his friends developed independently, is now commercialized and widely available in stores. He views this commercialization as a validation of their original idea but also finds it somewhat ironic and "dumb" that they themselves have purchased Friendsgiving-themed items. This quote illustrates the evolution of a personal tradition into a mainstream concept.

"so every every year that i've been a part um there's a handle is that red what are you carving it's it's actually a piece of hardwood floor oh okay like like the for some reason i thought that was the wood that you were using to lower it that that is that that piece of wood yeah yes okay so i'm not wrong you're using it as a handle yeah yes it's a handle okay okay yeah i thought that um and it's sticky as any piece of wood that's been in contact with 24 years worth of fryer oil would be"

Eric describes a tradition at Friendsgiving where a new attendee is tasked with lowering a turkey into the deep fryer, using a piece of hardwood floor as a handle. He notes that this handle has become sticky over 24 years of use, emphasizing the long-standing and evolving nature of their traditions. This quote highlights a specific, tangible element of their annual gathering.

"and so my hot take here is we've been doing friendsgiving for 20 this is the 24th year and back then no one said friendsgiving like it was not this was a word you developed independent of culture yes we and uh i mean you know obviously i i can't rule out that someone heard it subconsciously even or even consciously and just remembered it but thought they came up with it"

Eric states his "hot take" that the term "Friendsgiving" was independently developed by his group, long before it became a common cultural term. He acknowledges the possibility of subconscious influence but maintains that they felt they originated the concept. This quote underscores the personal history and ownership he feels over the term.

"but the real gems have been one piper does these like balsamic vinaigrette brussels sprouts that are just deep fried they're fantastic did not try the brussels sprouts i'm a picky eater this is something where i feel like maybe i need to try the brussels sprouts in the most fantastic presentation and that might change something in my mind i'd try it like that because those are pretty good i just steamed brussels sprouts you're probably not going to have a good time it's going to have a bitter taste but yeah little cabbages to me"

Eric highlights deep-fried balsamic vinaigrette Brussels sprouts as a standout dish from Friendsgiving, attributing the recipe to Piper. He admits to being a picky eater but expresses openness to trying them prepared in this "fantastic presentation," suggesting that the preparation method can significantly alter his perception of a food. This quote points to the culinary creativity that has emerged from their gatherings.

"but the coney chonga and this this was a hard hard sell for me because i don't particularly like chili although i'm i'm coming around now that i'm making my own i'd say you've got a award winning chili now don't you second second place ktc award winning chili so it turns out make it with ingredients you like we got disqualified last year because we made coney chongas yes and they're like that's not chili that's not chili i'm like hey it is it was a cincinnati style chili but here's the coney chonga it's a hot dog right or like a coney dog but instead of putting it in a hot dog bun you put it in a tortilla with cheese and chili and with onions and without onions"

Eric describes the "Coney Chonga," a deep-fried hot dog wrapped in a tortilla with cheese and chili, as a culinary invention born from Friendsgiving. He admits his initial reluctance due to disliking chili but notes that the dish, despite being disqualified from a chili competition, has become a celebrated creation. This quote emphasizes the unique and sometimes unconventional food innovations that arise from their traditions.