Thanksgiving Traditions

Turkey Breast
Cornbread Dressing
Gravy
Holiday Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Applewood Bacon
Creamy Spinach Casserole
Deviled Eggs
Pea Salad
Cranberry Relish
Parker House Rolls
Cranberry Almond Shortbread Tart
Pumpkin Pie
Chocolate-Honey Ganache Layer Cake

What's on your Thanksgiving Menu this year?  That seems to be the question I have been asked by everyone for the past two weeks.  The truth is, it's pretty much the same menu every year. Each year all of my food magazines try to tempt me with new variations of turkey, oyster dressing, and sweet potatoes. However, we always have the same basic format; and, we like it that way! There is always roasted turkey, my mama's cornbread dressing, and gravy. There will always be creamed spinach and deviled eggs because my children expect them.  And a few years ago, I made Parker House rolls from scratch. They were an instant favorite and have been requested every year since.  The only thing that really changes are the desserts. It lets me have an area where I can test something new out and maybe find a new family favorite. The Thanksgiving meal is, to me, all about tradition.  Tradition is including the things that each member of your family loves, year after year. Tradition is making sure that there is canned cranberry sauce alongside my fresh cranberry relish because my teenage son loves the can's ripples. Tradition is using my mother's and grandmother's silver that my children polished the night before just as my brother and I did growing up. Tradition is sharing the past with those in our present. May you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving whatever your traditions may be!