Every year I say the same thing — I can’t believe the holidays are here and that I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving. This year has flown by faster than ever, and I’m feeling especially grateful as I start planning one of my favorite gatherings of the year.

I love Thanksgiving because it’s a time to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate the people around us. My menu this year will be mostly the same — I just can’t part with the classic dishes that have become tradition in our home — but I’m adding a few new touches to the table. For the guests who don’t eat meat, I’ll be serving a Vietnamese shrimp salad and my vegan chow mein. And since dessert is always the grand finale, I’ll be baking not only my beloved pumpkin pie but also Ina Garten’s apple galette for a little something extra.

We’ll have close to thirty people around the table this year, which always fills the house with energy, laughter, and that wonderful sense of togetherness.

As the year winds down, I’m feeling so thankful — for my husband Peter, for our three kids (Emily, who will be graduating from high school this year; Oliver, who towers over us at six feet tall and is only fourteen; and Charlotte, who just turned thirteen and is officially a teenager), for my siblings and their families, and for my mom in Hawaii. She and her husband Ted won’t be with us this Christmas due to his health, so we’re keeping them close in our hearts and prayers.

And of course, I’m deeply grateful for all of you — those who have cooked my recipes, watched my videos, supported my real estate business, or simply sent a kind message along the way. You are the heart of this community.

Wishing you a joyful, safe, and peaceful holiday season surrounded by good food, great company, and plenty of love.

With gratitude,
Cindy

Haricot Vert with Caramelized Shallots

Cream of Corn

Cranberry and Grape Compote

Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy

Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar

Vietnamese Shrimp Salad / Goi Tom

3 Ingredient Baked Ham

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Vegan Chow Mein

Perfectly Roasted Turkey

Turkey Gravy

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Fresh Whipped Cream