Thirteen Foods for My Thanksgiving Table

I’ve always had a strong association between
Thanksgiving, food, and family. Growing up, we often visited both sets of
grandparents on Thanksgiving Day and ate a full meal at both places!

I actually enjoy cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. If
I was overly ambitious and decided to prepare every dish that I would
like to see on our table that day, here would be my top thirteen
choices.

Turkey. Yes, very traditional, baked in the oven.

Gravy. I will admit that this most often comes from a packet or a jar.

Dressing. Either I or my husband prepare his mom’s recipe using biscuits and cornbread.

Sweet Potato Casserole. We eat ours with a streusel-type topping as opposed to marshmallows.

Collard Greens. I don’t eat these, but my husband loves them!

Cranberry Sauce. As in straight out of the can. Another food
that I don’t eat, but our two daughters love. Thanks, mom, for
introducing them to it!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad. This dish was added to our Thanksgiving meal just in the last few years, but it’s one of my favorites!

Green Bean Casserole. Another classic that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Broccoli and Rice Casserole.
No one in my house likes broccoli, so I’m thrilled when my parents or
other family members are visiting and prevent me from eating the whole
thing by myself!

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese. One
of my all-time favorite comfort foods, this version works well at
Thanksgiving as it can be put together ahead of time and doesn’t take up
space in the oven.

Yeast rolls. This is one of the foods that I most associate
with meals at my parents’ house. I buy the frozen roll dough and just
let it thaw and rise, then bake it.

Double Layer Pumpkin Pie. With the cream cheese layer on the
bottom, topped by a pumpkin layer and finished with a dollop of Cool
Whip, this far surpasses a plain pumpkin pie for me. Pumpkin Cheesecake
would be another fabulous option!

Pecan Pie. One dessert that I don’t make very well, a frozen
pie that had been heated in the oven would work just as well for me as a
homemade version.