Thanksgiving was my dad’s favorite holiday—of that, I’m certain. It’s easy to see why I’ve grown to love it just as much. Enjoy some of his many Facebook posts below (1. meme, 2, Turkey Fryer 3, One of his many Thanksgiving plates). With the holiday falling shortly after my birthday, it’s always felt like a warm family gathering wrapped in gratitude, love, and incredible food.
My dad had his own special touch when it came to Thanksgiving. He was the king of the kitchen, deep-frying our turkey to perfection and claiming to have “helped” with everything else my mom made. Truthfully, he was more the official taste tester than sous chef, but we let him have that. He always made time to express gratitude for his family, whether through a heartfelt message or by just making sure we were all home together.
I can still picture him the day after Thanksgiving, pairing baked ham with eggs and whipping up whatever grand breakfast he had in mind. And, of course, there were the deviled eggs—my dad’s favorite snack that I’d always “steal” a few of, much to his mock protest.
My mom carried Thanksgiving with her incredible cooking, but my dad’s spirit of gratitude made it unforgettable.
Carrying the Torch: Honoring Dad in My Own Way
It’s been a while since I’ve made a full Thanksgiving spread, but this year, my husband and I have been planning for it all year. In honor of my dad, I’ve decided to bring turkey back to the table—something I haven’t done in a while. I’m leaning toward a Cajun turkey from Popeyes (because sometimes convenience is king).
Another way I’ll be honoring my dad is with his famous French toast. He was truly the king of French toast, and while he’d grudgingly agree to make it at my request, I knew he loved the joy it brought me. This year, I’ll be pairing his French toast with ham and eggs for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving—a meal that was a post-holiday staple in our home.
The menu will include all the classics: yams, greens, macaroni and cheese, turkey, ham, stuffing, and deviled eggs. The stuffing is what I’m most looking forward to—I have a feeling it’ll taste even better this year as I think about the memories tied to it.
Having catered for hundreds of people in the past, cooking for my small family feels like a breeze in comparison. While the food will be delicious, the spirit of gratitude my dad always carried is what I’m most excited to bring into this holiday and every one to come.
Another way I’ll be honoring my dad is with his famous French toast. He was truly the king of French toast, and while he’d grudgingly agree to make it at my request, I knew he loved the joy it brought me. This year, I’ll be pairing his French toast with ham and eggs for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving—a meal that was a post-holiday staple in our home.
The menu will include all the classics: yams, greens, macaroni and cheese, turkey, ham, stuffing, and deviled eggs. The stuffing is what I’m most looking forward to—I have a feeling it’ll taste even better this year as I think about the memories tied to it.
Having catered for hundreds of people in the past, cooking for my small family feels like a breeze in comparison. While the food will be delicious, the spirit of gratitude my dad always carried is what I’m most excited to bring into this holiday and every one to come.
New Traditions: Making It My Own
Unlike my mom, I don’t have the space—or let’s be honest, the patience—for homemade desserts. My mom’s pound cake and sweet potato pies were always family favorites, but I’m happy to continue a different tradition: store-bought pies. We’ll have Patti’s sweet potato pie (a must), small pecan pies for my husband, and an apple pie with crumb topping for me. I’m not big on sweets, so when the pies run out, a small store-bought cake will do just fine.
These little changes make the holiday our own while still honoring the traditions I grew up with.
These little changes make the holiday our own while still honoring the traditions I grew up with.
A Legacy of Gratitude
This year, I’m thankful for the opportunity to keep these recipes and traditions alive and to pass them down to my own children. I can’t wait until they’re old enough to join me in the kitchen, just like I did growing up, and to watch them dive into leftovers and fall into a food coma afterward. I'll also enjoy hearing the deep humming "ummmmmm" from my own Husband while he eats all day.
More than anything, I hope to pass down the love, gratitude, and value of family that my dad instilled in me. These are the moments that make the holidays special, and I’m praying that each of you finds your own reasons to feel grateful this season.
From the Jackson family to yours, we wish you a holiday filled with love and gratitude!
More than anything, I hope to pass down the love, gratitude, and value of family that my dad instilled in me. These are the moments that make the holidays special, and I’m praying that each of you finds your own reasons to feel grateful this season.
From the Jackson family to yours, we wish you a holiday filled with love and gratitude!
