The answer to the meta is something you might see on a laden table at this time of year (in the US)
Successful solvers should be able to work out what the seed entry was for this puzzle. Actually, you might be able to work that out even if you don't solve the meta, the answer to which is something you might see on a laden table at this time of year (in the US). Answer & explanation: https://www.xword-muggles.com/viewtopic.php?p=148752#p148752
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here: https://www.ephesusscroll.com/about/interest4.html. US$10 gives you access to 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game. You won't quite know what to expect: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, sometimes all of those, and sometimes none! One thing is for sure, these are some of the more creative metas my brain has been able to come up with. And there's more: this time there's a mega-meta!
BAZAAR was (sort of) close to AZARIA. At least close enough to send me to scour the grid for the other three themers. As I wrote on the Muggles thread - DOH!
Meg 2s · 2023-11-21T14:28:26.089Z
Thanks, Ben. But don’t you really mean "sweet potatoes"? (it’s an ongoing American controversy).
Happy Thanksgiving Meta! Fun one (although I'm not a particularly big fan of yams). Thanks for the puzzle, Ben!
Dave C 3s · 2023-11-21T15:09:33.888Z
Nice puzzle for the holiday.
I agree that the M was the most difficult to find - Tress MacNeille
KayW 🤓8:46 · 2023-11-21T15:02:48.862Z
Thanks for making a meta celebrating a US holiday! I'm thankful for all the wonderful metas you share with us. And these are often on my table, Thanksgiving or not. YUM!
I confess I've never watched a Simpsons episode. (I know, how un-American right?) But Google helped me back solve on what was my first guess. Fun one, Ben. Thankful for you. :)
I'm thankful to all the muggles who solve my puzzles each week - but I particularly enjoy your Star Wars references and I am always on the lookout for your Naboo post each week on the WSJ! (I'm with Ani - I hate sand, too!)
I got Tress MacNeille instantly, but agree that's a pretty deep cut for those who are not serious fans. Presumably back-solvable though, so no worries. Fun and timely, thanks!
Hah! Tried so many ways to come up with Turducken. Also tried Stuffing, since the long words were kind of “stuffed” with names. The obvious usually occurs to me wayyyy late. Doh!