Funny how a flavor or an aroma can bring back long forgotten memories, even emotions. Something as simple as the yeasty smell of bread baking can make you feel all warm and toasty inside—instant comfort.
I recently discovered a decades old cookbook that belonged to my mother-in-law, Helen. She and her four sisters never let a major holiday go by without huge fanfare…every side dish imaginable, a garlic stuffed ham [below], perfectly browned turkey and multiple desserts were the norm. Take-out was not allowed.
As I flipped through the old pages and the loose, faded pieces of newspaper that filled its covers, I was overcome with emotion. So much love, joy and even heartache was often shared at those giant holiday tables over the years.
So, this Thanksgiving I wanted to pay tribute to Helen and mothers and grandmothers everywhere who truly are the glue that keeps our families and extended families connected. You’ve warmed our hearts and enriched our lives in ways we’ll never be able to fully grasp. Leave a lasting impression with the following recipes, all the same…
Holiday Squash Casserole:
Click Here for the recipe.
Two types of squash, chopped sweet yellow onion, and grated cheddar cheese carry the load in this hearty holiday casserole that plays like a soufflé.
Bourbon Yams (Sweet Potatoes):
Click Here for the recipe.
Yams, peeled then cubed, toasted Texas pecans and BOURBON (of your choice) make this sweet potato dish sing!
Creamed Corn:
Click Here for the recipe.
This family favorite of ours – tried and true from Helen – I’ll vouch for that! She made it like clockwork every holiday, and now so can you.
Sawdust Pie:
Click Here for the recipe.
Graham Cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts (or pecans), and dark chocolate chips compose the filling of this flakey pie crust.
Lemon Meringue Pie:
Click Here for the recipe.
This recipe is over 50 years old! Classic and creamy lemon meringue pie from Helen’s mother.
For more delicious recipes and fun food and wine pairing ideas, subscribe to my newsletter. Plenty of homestyle, holiday eats to go around. 🙂
This is wonderful. It is great that we have these great memories to carry us through.
Tanji, thank you for sharing these. I will be trying both the squash casserole and the bourbon yams this season.
Blessings!
On the Sonora Casserole are you supposed to cook, fry, heat the 6 tortillas? In the instructions it referrs to them as Tortilla chips?
The recipe is referring to the tortilla strips that are referenced.
Do you have the recipe for the garlic stuffed ham (those look like jalapenos in the picture?) I would love to try something different with our ham this Christmas and this looks great! I think we’ll also try the squash casserole.
Thank you!!
I don’t have a written recipe, but yes that is garlic. I use garlic cloves either whole or cut in half. I cut slits in the ham randomly spaced and then insert either a garlic clove or jalepeño inside. Then, I let it ‘cook’ or reheat thoroughly so the garlic softens and the jalepeño flavors permeate the meat. It is delish!
I did something like this at Easter with a spiral sliced ham from no where else but HEB. I put garlic slices and jalapeno pieces randomly into the slices. Then made a glaze out of OJ and honey to put over it. If I have to say so myself, it was pretty darn good.
I always buy those HEB spiral hams!!!! 🙂 Thank you, Barbara 🙂