Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide
& a new dessert recipe
Hello, hello, hello! We’re in the home stretch, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all the blessings we’ve had this year. Thursdays are like appetizers for the weekend - full of promise and warmth.
Let’s make today extra productive so tomorrow feels like a breeze, and we can enjoy the holiday with a sense of accomplishment.
But before we start, here’s a lil task for you:
📌 Take a moment to send a quick thank-you note (email or text) to someone who’s made your week better
Now, let’s get started…
When did Thanksgiving start?
The roots of Thanksgiving go deep into U.S. history. The Pilgrims first celebrated the holiday in 1621, after their successful harvest, with the help of the Wampanoag people. Over the years, it’s been a time to reflect on blessings, even in tough times, like when George Washington and his troops marked the occasion during the American Revolution or when President Lincoln made it a national holiday during the Civil War.
Now, some awesome recipes!
The dish that disappears
Let’s talk about something that’s going to steal the show at your next holiday dinner - Cowboy Stuffing. It’s a fun, flavorful twist on the classic stuffing, combining all the usual suspects: bread, sausage, and thyme, with some bold flavors like green chiles, jalapeños, and chili powder. Oh, and we top it all off with a melty layer of cheddar cheese. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
You toast up some rustic bread, cook up some sausage with veggies in butter, and mix it all together with eggs and broth. Then, bake it in a skillet until that cheesy top is golden and crispy. Pair it with some roasted chicken or a nice steak, and you’ve got yourself a side that’s both comforting and full of flavor.
Feel free to swap out the bread for sourdough or use a different cheese or sausage—make it your own. You’ve got to try this! It serves 8, takes about 1.5 hours, and will definitely have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
You can also try this $20 meal
Have you heard about Rebecca Chobat, aka @dollartreedinners on TikTok? She’s going viral by showing people how to make Thanksgiving dinner using super affordable ingredients from Dollar Tree. With almost 2 million followers, Rebecca’s all about helping folks who are on a tight budget still enjoy a holiday meal that feels special.
Her Thanksgiving series is pretty awesome! For just $20, she’s making fried mac and cheese, a casserole with canned turkey and green beans, and caramel sugar cookie bars. It’s not gourmet, but it’s definitely tasty and makes the most of a small budget.
Now here’s a new dessert recipe
Alright, let’s talk about pie. Specifically pumpkin pie. Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s a classic. But if you’ve been stuck in the world of dense, custardy pumpkin pie, it’s time for an upgrade.
Let me introduce you to pumpkin chiffon pie - light, airy, and just downright fancy. Imagine a pie that melts in your mouth, with a silky texture that pumpkin pie just can’t compete with.
Growing up, we always had pumpkin chiffon at Thanksgiving, and it quickly became my favorite. It’s everything traditional pumpkin pie isn’t - decadent, delicate, and far from heavy. Plus, it’s super easy to make: canned pumpkin, gelatin, eggs, cream, and some whipped meringue. Toss it all together, let it set overnight, and boom—you’ve got a showstopper for your holiday table.
⚠️ CAUTION: How to avoid accidents during Thanksgiving
Most injuries happen from things like fire, hot oil, or grease burns. If you do get burned, for minor burns, just cool it with water, then apply some petroleum jelly and cover it with a gauze bandage.
But if the burn is serious - like if your skin starts to blister or peel, or if it looks pale, leathery, or feels uncontrollably painful - head to the hospital ASAP! To prevent burns in the first place, never leave the stove unattended, keep an eye on young kids and pets, and avoid loose clothing around the kitchen. If you're frying a turkey, do it outside, away from any buildings.
So, that’s it for today. Happy Thanksgiving! Let’s meet again tomorrow👋
