Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year—a chance to reflect, connect with family, and of course, cook up some delicious meals! In my house, the kitchen is where the magic happens. It’s not just about food; it’s about memories, teamwork, and fun.
This year, I’m sharing some of my family’s favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help make your holiday even more special:
1. 🥬 Southern Sautéed Collard Greens
Ingredients:
- 2 lb. fresh collard greens
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 10 slices of turkey bacon
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 4 cups of chicken stock
- 2 tbsp. chicken bouillon paste (optional)
- 1 cup water
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Directions:
- Remove the spin from all the collard greens and cut them roughly and wash thoroughly
- Once the greens are washed, start by putting oil into a large roasting pan and then add the turkey, onions and garlic. Then add the greens and season with the salt and pepper.
- Now add the chicken stock and the water and cover and cook on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes.
2. 🥧 Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients:
- Homemade or pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups peeled and sliced apples (approx. 3 medium apples)
- 4 Tablespoons Butter (1/2 stick)
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- ¼ Cup Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
- ½ Lemon
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Pinch Nutmeg
- Cooking Spray
Directions:
- Melt butter in a pan and add flour, sugar, sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, water and lemon. Mix until fully incorporated and cook till sliced apples become tender.
- Cut pie crust into small disks using a cookie cutter and place them on the muffin tin.
- Fill the pie crust with the apple filling and top with a pie crust lid with small vent holes.
- Brush the pie crust lid with butter and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Let cool and enjoy!
3. ☕ Southern Sweet Tea
Ingredients:
- Sugar
- Water
- 1-2 Tea bags of your choice
- Ice
- Optional: Lemon or orange
Directions:
- Take 1 part sugar and 1 part water then bring to a boil.
- Add 1-2 bags of tea to the simple syrup then let it simmer.
- Dilute with more water till it gets to the perfect sweetness.
- Add ice, love, and enjoy a good time!
Pro tip: You can add your favorite citrus too since it pairs well with the tea!
4. 🍠 Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk/cream
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of butter
Directions:
- Add chopped broiled sweet potatoes to a food processor or blender.
- Mix in milk or cream, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon to taste.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Pro tip: Mixing honey can also be a healthier alternative for sugar! You can top it with a little bit of condensed milk too but I like mine plain and simple.
Have an awesome Thanksgiving! HAPPY COOKING!
