Thanksgiving Cooking Traditions – Cooking with Love and Gratitude
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a day filled with food, family, and reflection—a chance to celebrate everything we’re grateful for. At From Scratch Farm, we believe that food carries energy, and the intention behind the cooking matters just as much as the ingredients themselves. This is why every year, I make it a point to cook with love and gratitude—pouring those feelings into each dish I prepare.
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, take a deep breath, and savor every moment, and every bite. So, let’s explore what it means to cook with love and intention as we gather around the table this holiday season.
Cooking with Love: A Key Ingredient
There’s something special about Thanksgiving cooking—it’s not just about the food, but the spirit behind it. The kitchen becomes a gathering place, the heart of the home where everyone pitches in, laughs, and reminisces. At From Scratch Farm, our philosophy of purposeful cooking takes center stage on Thanksgiving. Every dish is made with care, and every ingredient has meaning.
Cooking with love means being present in the process—enjoying the scent of herbs, the warmth of the oven, and the feeling of sharing something that you’ve created with others. It’s about transforming a simple meal into an act of care. Whether you’re peeling potatoes or basting the turkey, it’s those small moments, those acts of love, that make Thanksgiving so special.
Gratitude in Every Bite
Thanksgiving is also about gratitude. As I prepare the meal, I take time to reflect on the blessings of the past year. The beautiful produce from our farm, the people who share in this journey, the chance to make a difference through sustainable cooking and farm-to-table meals—it’s all a reason to be thankful.
Gratitude brings an extra layer of meaning to the cooking process. It reminds me that food is a gift, and every bite is a celebration of the earth and the people who brought it to the table. The turkey isn’t just a turkey—it’s the result of thoughtful farming practices, care, and love. And every vegetable on the plate has a story—from seed to harvest to meal.
The Importance of Mindful Cooking
When we cook for Thanksgiving, we aren’t just feeding bodies; we’re nurturing hearts and spirits too. I always remind myself to slow down and be mindful while cooking. This is especially important during the hustle and bustle of a big holiday meal. Instead of rushing, I take time to savor the process, to enjoy the magic of transforming simple ingredients into a feast that will nourish the people I love.
Setting the Scene for Gratitude
Thanksgiving is also a great time to involve everyone in the cooking process. Whether it’s someone helping to chop vegetables or little ones stirring the pie filling, there’s something so wonderful about sharing the experience. Cooking with others fosters connection, and it turns the kitchen into a place of joy, where laughter and stories are shared.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment as you cook. Let the warmth of gratitude fill your kitchen. Cook with love, and let that love radiate through each dish you create. After all, the best meals are made not just with the finest ingredients, but with the heart behind them.
Recipe Highlight: Roasted Turkey
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a beautifully roasted turkey. Here’s my go-to recipe for a tender, flavorful bird that’s perfect for a gathering of loved ones.
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 lemons, halved
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
1 onion, quartered
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Rub the turkey all over with the softened butter, making sure to get under the skin where possible. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with lemons, onion, and fresh herbs.
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, and tuck the wing tips under.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with love!
Thanksgiving is a reminder of all that we have to be grateful for. As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, remember to cook with love and intention. Let gratitude fill every step of the process—from chopping vegetables to roasting the turkey. This is the magic of Thanksgiving: transforming a meal into an expression of care, appreciation, and connection.
***And as another reminder, there is still time to order your “Everything But the Turkey” Holiday Meal here.
