The Comfort of Thanksgiving: Favorite Family Foods

Daily writing prompt

Do you or your family make any special dishes for the holidays?

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Special is in the heart of the beholder. While my family doesn’t make anything special by Thanksgiving means, a few recipes have become special to me, if only because Thanksgiving is when I usually see them.

• Velveeta Mac & Cheese: Before my choir of readers starts singing “That’s not special,” let me finish. This is not any ordinary macaroni and cheese. No, the mixture of original and queso Velveeta stirred into shell macaroni with a slight bit of salt and butter makes my Thanksgiving creamy. I remember the process of making this dish, from boiling the macaroni to melting the Velveeta. It’s a labor of love that I look forward to every year.
• Pecan Pie: A true indulgence for any Thanksgiving feast. Although I’m not allergic to nuts, this decadent dessert has been absent from my table for a few years. The mere sight of a pecan pie makes you feel like you’ve gained ten pounds. But the bliss of savoring a slice of this divine treat is worth every calorie, even if it means you’ll be visiting your dentist and gym more often.
• Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are an oldie that must never be retired! The name “mashed potatoes” is a bit of a misnomer for this favorite dish because the potatoes I love are blended with butter, salt, and a dash of milk. You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted the beautiful creaminess of whipped potatoes—whipped for life!

Each year, my mother lovingly prepares these dishes for our Thanksgiving feast. I am grateful for her culinary skills and the warmth she brings to our table. Her cooking is a cherished part of our family tradition, and I am thankful for the opportunity to enjoy it every year.