This year, I’m the lone chef in the kitchen. My parents and siblings are celebrating across the state, but here at home, I’m cooking for my husband, our kids, my mother-in-law—and, as a happy surprise, two friends who dropped by to join us for dinner. It’s a full table, but only one set of hands making it all happen.
The Feast
- Turkey: Seasoned with oregano, paprika, cayenne, garlic salt, pepper, and plenty of butter.
- Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with homemade turkey gravy.
- Green Bean Casserole topped with crispy onions.
- Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese (pepperjack, cheddar, parmesan, and yes, Cheez Whiz).
- Stuffing from a box — because sometimes shortcuts are sanity savers.
- Homemade Fudge for a sweet finish.
- Pumpkin Pie (store-bought, because balance is everything).
Cooking Solo, Serving Together
There’s something both exhausting and rewarding about being the only cook. I’m juggling pots, pans, and oven timers, but I’m also pouring love into every dish. My husband is always there to help, especially when it comes to the turkey—he’s the one who pulls it out every time so I can baste it. The kids will sneak bites when they think I’m not looking, and my mother-in-law will remind me that “this is how family traditions are made.”
Gratitude in the Chaos
It’s not the big, noisy Thanksgiving I grew up with, but it’s still full of warmth. Cooking alone doesn’t mean celebrating alone — it means I get to create the meal that brings everyone together. And when we sit down later, plates piled high, I’ll be grateful for the family around my table and the memories we’re making.
Closing thought: Thanksgiving isn’t about how many cooks are in the kitchen — it’s about who gathers at the table.
Herb-Butter Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix butter with oregano, paprika, cayenne, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Rub mixture under the skin and over the turkey.
- Roast uncovered until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 3–3.5 hours).
- Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
Parmesan Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups turkey drippings + 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender, drain.
- Mash with butter, warm milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- For gravy: whisk flour into drippings over medium heat until thickened.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Blanch beans 5 minutes, drain.
- Mix beans, soup, milk, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
- Bake 25 minutes, top with onions, bake 5 more minutes.
Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded pepperjack
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup Cheez Whiz
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta, drain.
- Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, simmer until thick.
- Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Combine with pasta, season, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes if you want a golden top.
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