Some things are best left unchanged.
When it comes to Thanksgiving traditions, I’m a huge proponent for the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I didn’t grow up observing many family traditions, but a traditional Thanksgiving meal—with at least 25 people in attendance—at my parents’ home has always been our family’s bread and butter.
I’ve grown to love this long-standing gathering of ours (11 years and counting), but I’m always curious to know how others celebrate this truly all-American holiday. This year, I asked our team to submit their favorite Thanksgiving recipe or beloved family tradition. The answers made me smile, laugh, and also get a little teary-eyed.
Want to know what a 9miles Media Thanksgiving looks like? Read on to find out!
Shaq’s (Sontanna’s) mom’s macaroni & cheese
Submitted by: Sontanna Cremins, Executive Assistant and Operations Coordinator
If it’s good enough for Shaq, it’s good enough for me, that’s what I always say. Well, I’ve never actually said that, but in this case, I truly mean it. Thanksgiving is the one day of the year I allow myself to eat dairy and feel absolutely terrible afterwards but #noragrets… am I right?! Sontanna’s mother has been making this recipe religiously for the past eight years so it clearly has that “keeps you coming back” quality about it.
This recipe has a whopping FIVE POUNDS of cheese. And that’s not including the butter, milk, half and half, and crushed cheese crackers. Que the post-Thanksgiving comatose. 😵😵😵
Abuela’s Pan Con Bistec (Cuban Steak Sandwich)
Submitted by: Billy Weidrick, Digital Advertising Strategist
A Weidrick family recipe “From the kitchen of: Abuela”
“It’s a popular Cuban steak sandwich recipe. Super common for lunch. Every family has their own version, this is ours👏”
I love how authentic and unique this recipe is. I mean, you can’t beat the handwritten 4×6 recipe card. I’m just imagining the decades old faded tin recipe box this is probably stored in, alongside hundreds of other cherished family recipes.
Libby’s pumpkin roll
Submitted by: Hannah Weinberger, Executive Assistant
This recipe made Hannah move cross-country to be back near her family… must be one heck of a Pumpkin Roll!
“It is not a family recipe but mastering a pumpkin roll is tricky! My mom has mastered it and makes it every year! Last year was my first year not spending Thanksgiving with my family as I was living in San Diego. A big reason I decided to move back— I missed having pumpkin roll made by my mom!”
Hannah’s tip: You have to let it cool just right to make sure there are no cracks when you roll it.
Bullard Family Thanksgiving Pound Cake
Or should we say, “Chris’ personal pound cake”
Submitted by: Chris Bullard, Content Production Specialist
“My sister normally makes this cake for me with a little bit of Bullard flare to it. Memories are her making me my own cake to take home.”
Well at least we know not to ask Chris to bring THIS particular dish to our team potluck… he clearly won’t be sharing.
Chris’s tip: It’s best to pair this with vanilla ice cream and enjoy in front of a warm fire.
Grandma Armstrong’s Sweet Potato Casserole
Submitted by: Ben Armstrong, CEO
“No idea how it’s made, but it is incredible, and it always makes you take a nap after eating! It reminds me of spending time with family members around the holidays, the warmth of a home-cooked meal, and all the comfort that brings.”
Ben is still searching for the exact recipe, but here’s one he says is almost identical.
Stay tuned for the recipe!
Grandma Anderson (Grammy)’s Fudge
Submitted by: Sofia Abdo, Account Executive
“My grandma has made this chocolate fudge recipe every year for as long as I can remember. This is probably the longest standing tradition we have! Only just recently did she stop baking and my wonderful papa picked up right where she left off. We look forward to this desert every year (I can’t tell you how many times it’s been wiped out before we even start the afternoon meal!)”
Bonus: Katie Lee’s Cornbread Stuffing
Also submitted by Sofia
I had to include this bonus recipe because I absolutely hate stuffing. That has always bothered me since it’s such a staple at Thanksgiving! I discovered this Katie Lee recipe during my serious pre-Pinterest, Food Network phase in 9th grade (like my birthday present one year was a 24 month magazine subscription). This recipe seriously changed my opinion on stuffing. If you’re a stuffing hater like me, do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try. I guarantee you will be a converted stuffing lover like me!
Jay’s Pre-Thanksgiving Snack
Submitted by: Jay Clarke, Content Production Specialist
“Sometimes when you’re waiting for all the real food to come out of the oven, you need some trashy snacks to hold you over. That’s where I come in! A quick and easy dip will keep everyone from getting grumpy. My go-to appetizer is buffalo chicken dip. In a crock pot, place two large chicken breasts, and about half a bottle of buffalo sauce. Let that cook on medium heat for a few hours until the chicken can be shredded apart with a fork, then add a block of cream cheese, some ranch dressing, and stir it all together. Before serving, top it with some shredded cheddar cheese and let that melt. Enjoy!”
Gordon’s Christmas Roast Goose
Submitted by: Colton Cockman, Technical Director
Colton’s jumping the gun with this one, but I can’t say no to classic Christmas recipe. Consider adding another breed of bird to your Thanksgiving table this year. Not a turkey person? All the more reason to try this instead. Duck, duck…
Family Traditions:
Submitted by Sanjana Kirpalani: Account Manager
My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is waking up early on the morning of Thanksgiving to cook a huge meal with both American and Indian elements with my family. Dishes like turkey, mac & cheese, and mashed potatoes are a must, but we also make dishes such as biriyani and chicken curry. Before we eat, we each say three things we’re thankful for and also make a resolution about giving back. After eating, we get ready to go Black Friday shopping all night and we usually stay out till around 4 AM, take a nap, then go back out.
Submitted by: Thomas Armstrong, COO
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is everyone going around the table and sharing what they are thankful for, and sharing the biggest way their life has changed in the previous year for the better!
(Also my favorite Thanksgiving food is stuffing, but honestly, I just use one of the boxes that are premade HAH.)”
We all come from different families with different backgrounds and traditions, but it’s clear that we all have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for one amazing year with the 9miles Media family! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Cheers!
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