Thanksgiving Traditions & Recipe

Everyone has some sort of tradition when it comes to the holidays – whether it’s a favorite dish made by a family member or playing football before the Thanksgiving meal. But we have some ideas for new Thanksgiving traditions for you to try with your family this year.

CREATE A FESTIVE DOORWAY

Say hello to fall decor galore. Decorate your doorway with pumpkins, lanterns, and a festive wreath to really get into the holiday spirit, even if your usual fall activities are no longer happening.

PLAY GAMES AFTER THE MEAL

After the notorious post-dinner nap, enjoy the night with some games to keep family and friends together. Games like Mexican Train and Uno will have your guests wanting to stay for hours.

CRAFT CREATIVE TABLECLOTHS

Start a new tradition by creating memorable tablecloths. Use butcher paper as the tablecloth and ask your family to write down what they are thankful for.

VIRTUAL GAMES

While some of us may not be able to be with our loved ones in person this season, we can still celebrate the holidays with them through video chat. Whether it’s just chatting, a virtual game or a craft – video chat allows us to stay connected to those we can’t be with this holiday season.

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You can also try a new recipe – just because you love your family traditions, doesn’t mean you can’t make a few new ones! This Pecan Pie Bites recipe from @bakermama, for instance, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and pairs perfectly with Homemade Brand French Vanilla ice cream.

INGREDIENTS:

Toasted Pecans:

2 tablespoons butter

2 ½ pecans, chopped

CRUST:

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

½ cup brown sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

FILLING:

1½ cups brown sugar

¾ cup light corn syrup

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly spray a mini muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the chopped pecans and toast for about 10 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently.
  3. Meanwhile, make the crusts. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the flour and salt and beat until well combined. Take a few tablespoons of dough and press into and up the sides of each mini muffin cup.
  4. To make the filling, in a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter and vanilla. Stir in the toasted pecans until well coated. Spoon about a tablespoon of filling into each crust, filling it ¾ full. Try not to overfill the crusts, as the filling will bubble over when they are baking.
  5. Bake the bites for about 15 minutes or until the crusts just start to brown. Remove from the oven and let set for about 5 minutes before scooping another tablespoon of filling onto each bite. Let bites cool in pan completely before serving.
  6. Add a couple of scoops of Homemade Brand French Vanilla to the side, for the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!