A Family Tradition

“I’m just carrying on an ole family tradition,” Hank Williams Jr., 1979

As another Thanksgiving approaches, I reflect on the family traditions of years past.  This year, we will have one less person at the table.  The person who always made the traditional dishes that “we” liked.  The person who LOVED watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while cooking, and then enjoyed seeing the precious doggies on the National Dog Show after lunch.  Of course, I’m talking about my mom.  

I think that my mom loved Thanksgiving so much because she was so thankful for her family to get together.  For years, we headed to her mom’s home (my grandma’s) to celebrate.  As the years went by, the family drifted apart after my grandmother’s death….as so many families do when that “rock” of the family is gone.

So for the past several Thanksgivings, we have had lunch at my parents’ home.  As my mother’s health declined, I gradually took over the preparation of many of the dishes.  One of our family favorites is a sweet potato casserole.  The recipe is from one of those old church cookbooks that you keep under the kitchen counter and pull out once a year.  It’s super sweet, delicious, and can be a side dish or a dessert.  It’s truly my favorite Thanksgiving dish, and I want to share it with you.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

3 c. sweet potatoes, mashed

½ stick butter

1 c. sugar

1 c. milk

½ tsp. Salt

1 tsp, vanilla

3 eggs, beaten (beat in separate bowl)

Mix all ingredients and pour in baking dish.

TOPPING

1 c. brown sugar

½ stick melted butter

1 c. pecans

½ cup flour

Stir together and bake on top of potatoes for 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees.

What are your favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes?  Comment and let me know.  Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!