My family, like lots of families, has its Thanksgiving must-have dishes. People get really cranky if these faves aren't there. Food is so wonderful. Recipes are passed down from generation to generation. The person who made a dish for years and years may no longer be with us, but is there in spirit, as long as their signature dish is there. Food comforts us and makes us feel good. Thanksgiving food does this even more because there is so much love and pride put into our family cooking. One of our family favorites that I am going to share with you is my mother's refrigerator mashed potatoes. They are so creamy, so easy, so great to make ahead. We just have to have them! Potatoes do not last long if you have any boys around! We always make an extra pan.
Another sentimental favorite is my grandmother's cranberry-grape fluff salad. It is so great around the holidays. It will add a sweet, fruity, nutty taste to your buffet. We always volunteered to help Memaw unload her car just so we could check out all of the food she brought to make sure the fluff was there!
And then there is this pie... I think I found the recipe in a magazine years ago. Coconut praline pie is a newer family favorite. One Thanksgiving, I noticed my cousin's wife actually scoping out the pie even before we carved the turkey! It really is a dreamy pie. It is not complicated, either.
Anyway, your family may enjoy these recipes as much as mine does. These are all tried and true. Share them with your families. Try a couple this Thanksgiving and have some new classics. I may try some new recipes, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
Refrigerated Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Fluff Salad
Coconut Praline Pie
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