Wat-Not Staff
Eric Winter, the star of The Rookie, has a unique take on Thanksgiving. While many look forward to the classic turkey centrepiece, Winter isn’t a fan. “I’d rather have a chicken or something else,” he reveals. When it comes to turkey, he’s only interested in the dark meat or crispy skin. “Just not a big turkey guy,” he adds.
However, Winter’s favourite dish on Thanksgiving is a classic — sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. “Sweet and creamy and just cinnamon,” he says, sharing his love for the comforting dish.
Pumpkin pie with whipped cream is another must-have for the actor, noting how it embodies the fall season perfectly.
Puerto Rican Influence on Winter’s Thanksgiving Feast
Since marrying Puerto Rican actress Roselyn Sánchez in 2008, Winter’s Thanksgiving meals have blended both American and Puerto Rican traditions.
He explains how Puerto Rican Thanksgiving is far more exciting for him, with dishes like pasteles, tostones, and mofongo. “The flavour’s fantastic,” he adds, praising the spice and vibrancy that Puerto Rican cooking brings to the table.
Winter emphasises that his wife’s family’s influence makes the holiday meals much more flavorful and diverse. “They spice everything up in a different way,” he shares. The inclusion of such unique dishes has become a cornerstone of their family’s Thanksgiving tradition.
Palm Republic Rum: A New Family Business Venture
Beyond food, Winter is also celebrating the holiday with Palm Republic rum, a business he co-founded earlier this year. Inspired by his trip to Puerto Rico, Winter fell in love with rum, leading him to experiment with different varieties.
“It just got me inspired,” he says of his Puerto Rican experience. The rum was created with the idea of bringing people together, much like the holiday season.
Despite his wife not drinking, she has supported his business venture. “Her family’s all been way behind me,” he says, noting how rum is a staple in Caribbean culture. Winter’s Palm Republic rum adds a new layer to his festive traditions, offering a unique beverage alongside the traditional Thanksgiving fare.
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