When I think of the holidays, the first thing I think of are the smells. The full kitchens, the rich warm food, the gathering, the laughs, it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Come November 11th my family will be expanding with the addition of our baby girl. I couldn’t be more grateful to be welcoming in this time of the year as a family of 4. Being an only child, with a single mom, it’s honestly been a dream for me to be that magic number of 4. I’ve yearned for this ever since I was a little girl… there’s something about it that has always seemed so full to me.
This year since I will be recovering from birth, I have already preordered a turkey for my family for Thanksgiving. One thing I will not be preordering are the creamy scalloped potatoes, and a good chocolate ice cream! I don’t know about you, but scalloped potatoes have always been that decadent holiday treat for me. During this pregnancy I also started making homemade ice cream. I’m partial, but my chocolate ice cream truly is the best I’ve ever tasted, and though it hasn’t been around my holiday tables in the past, I can guarantee you it will be in the future! I’ve spent months crafting it and will never be able to go back to store bought.
However you choose to celebrate the holidays this year, I hope that your bellies are filled with good food, and that your hearts are filled by the ones you love.
– Jessica
YOUR LIFE
Fall is my favorite season. There are many reasons to love Fall: cooler weather, football season, and Halloween are some of my favorites. However, my absolute favorite part about Fall are the recipes. Every year, I spend the week of Thanksgiving with my family in Wisconsin. Thanksgiving is the one time during the year that my entire family gets together in one place. Our Thanksgiving dinner takes weeks to prepare and is always the highlight of the week.
While I love the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes as much as the next person; nothing beats my grandma’s pies. Each person will ask my grandma to make their favorite pie. And as long as you give her enough time, she will make you an entire pie. That’s right, every person gets their own entire pie in my family. Pumpkin, blueberry, apple, and key lime are some of the usual suspects. My pie request is always her coconut cream pie. It is my favorite pie and favorite dessert. I love everything about it; the crispy pie crust, the creamy coconut filling, sweet whipped cream and toasted coconut topping is truly to die for.
Another reason that I love the pie(s) is because it is a reminder for me of how lucky and grateful that I am to have a loving, loyal family and that I can spend this holiday with. What is your favorite Fall recipe? Whether it’s a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations or your own recipe or your Grandma’s pie, I hope you can enjoy an abundance of it this year with all your loved ones.
– Hunter
YOUR LEGACY
Researchers have studied our ability to associate taste with memories, not only with flavors and smell, but with emotions, atmospheres, and company. Many holiday food traditions are an important part of our life stories. Food is important during the holidays, as it is a time of celebration, connection and remembrance.
I look forward to holiday cooking, not only for the delicious food, but for the quality time spent in the kitchen. Whether recipes have actually been written down or are just permanently stored in grandma’s memory, almost everyone can think of that one recipe they look forward to every year. For me, there are a few. While Thanksgiving is always delicious, I really look forward to December. On Christmas Eve, my husband’s mom always makes her crab corn chowder with mini ham sandwiches. And Christmas morning is always kielbasa with Tortilla Patata.
We haven’t been able to meet for the holidays since the pandemic started, but being able to make these recipes in our own home still brings a sense of togetherness. Since I didn’t have many family traditions growing up, I truly cherish the ones I’ve married in to. Leaving a legacy means giving something that will be valued and treasured by those who survive you, and these recipes will definitely be in mine.
– Kaylyn
Click here to see a few of our favorite recipes.
