Little Traditions, Local Finds, and What Makes This Season Special to Me
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite days of the year. There’s something about the rhythm of it — the kitchen filled with the smell of something roasting, laughter drifting from the living room, and the simple comfort of slowing down to share a meal with the people I love.
Every year, I find myself returning to a few favorite local spots and small traditions that make the day feel extra special — and I thought I’d share a few of them with you.
The Warm Welcome
While the turkey’s still in the oven and everyone’s just starting to arrive, I love setting out a small charcuterie board. It’s nothing fancy, but it always feels inviting — a little something to nibble on while the kitchen fills with warmth.
Trader Joe’s is my go-to for meats and cheeses. They always have the perfect variety to create something beautiful without taking too much time. A mix of textures, a handful of nuts, and a drizzle of honey over soft brie — the easiest way to welcome everyone in and start the evening off right.
The Heart of the Meal
My Thanksgiving meal always begins with a trip to White’s Country Meats. I’ve been going there for years — it’s become part of the tradition. There’s comfort in seeing familiar faces and knowing the turkey or ham I bring home will be perfect. It’s that small-town connection that reminds me what the holidays are really about.
If you have a favorite centerpiece — whether it’s ham or turkey — be sure to order early. It’s worth every bit of planning ahead.
The Local Touch
The side dishes are what make Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving to me. I always stop by Burns Farm at Aldersyde Produce Stand for fresh sweet potatoes — local, vibrant, and full of flavor. There’s something about knowing the hands that grew the food on your table that adds a quiet kind of gratitude to the meal.
My Non-Negotiable: Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
This one’s a family favorite — a recipe that’s been passed down and gently tweaked until it became my own. Every year, it’s the first dish to disappear and the one everyone asks about afterward. It’s rich, cozy, and exactly what the holidays taste like to me.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 55 minutes | Total: 1 hour 25 minutes | Serves: 8
Baked “Fried” Onions
1 medium onion
½ cup (62g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (45g) panko breadcrumbs
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 large egg
1 Tbsp (15ml) milk
Green Bean Casserole
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp salt, divided
1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
2 Tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
8 oz sliced mushrooms
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (180ml) chicken or vegetable broth
1¼ cups (300ml) half-and-half
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice onion thinly. In separate bowls, prepare flour, whisked egg/milk, and panko with salt and pepper. Dip onion slices in flour, then egg, then panko. Bake 20 minutes, flipping twice, until golden. Set aside.
Reduce oven to 400°F (204°C). Boil green beans with 1 Tbsp salt for 5 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain.
In an ovenproof skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms with 1 tsp salt and pepper for 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 2 minutes. Stir in flour, then broth, and simmer 3 minutes. Add half-and-half and cook until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Stir in green beans and a handful of onions. Top with remaining onions and bake 15 minutes until bubbly.
Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight. Bake 20 minutes at 400°F before serving.
A Toast to the Day
Once the sides are done and the kitchen starts to quiet, I like to open a bottle of Marchesi Vineyards Sangiovese. It’s pairs beautifully with everything on the table. I usually pour a small glass while finishing up last-minute details — my own little moment of calm before we all sit down together.
The Sweet Finish
When it comes to dessert, I’ve learned to leave that part to the experts. I preorder my pies from Frosted Sugar Bake Shop in Boring — frostedsugarbakeshop.com.
They taste just like the ones I grew up with — buttery, flaky, and full of that nostalgic, homemade flavor. Pumpkin, apple, pecan… I can never choose just one, and honestly, I never regret bringing home extras.
The Finishing Touch
Before the big day, I always grab a few fresh bouquets from Trader Joe’s. The soft oranges, deep reds, and greenery of fall tie everything together and make the table feel complete. I usually pick up an extra bouquet to bring to whoever’s hosting — or just to brighten up the kitchen while I cook. There’s something about having flowers nearby that makes the day feel even warmer.
A Thanksgiving That Feels Like You
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to feel like you. Some years everything runs smoothly; other years, something burns or the dog steals a roll off the table. But that’s part of it. The laughter, the stories, the little imperfections — they’re what make the memories.
Whether you spend the day cooking from scratch, opening a favorite bottle of wine, or just sitting with the people who make your world brighter, I hope your Thanksgiving is full of heart, gratitude, and the simple joy of being together.