Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Gratitude and Togetherness

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Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's a time-honored tradition that embodies gratitude, family, and the spirit of giving. Celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving has a rich history and a variety of customs that make it a beloved occasion for many.

A Brief History of Thanksgiving:

The roots of Thanksgiving can be traced back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, early settlers of Plymouth, Massachusetts, held a feast to celebrate their first successful harvest. They invited the Wampanoag people, who had helped them survive their first year in the New World. This gathering is often considered the first Thanksgiving.

Over the years, Thanksgiving evolved, with various colonies and states celebrating their own harvest festivals. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, designating the last Thursday in November as a day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." This established a tradition that continues to this day, though in 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week to extend the shopping season. This decision faced public backlash, leading to the eventual return to the fourth Thursday in November.

The Significance of Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the abundance in our lives and to acknowledge the efforts of those who contribute to our well-being. The holiday encourages us to take a moment to pause and express our thanks for family, friends, health, and the simple joys of life.

Moreover, Thanksgiving has become a time to give back to the community. Many families engage in charitable activities, such as donating food to those in need, emphasizing the spirit of generosity that is central to the holiday.

Family Traditions:

Thanksgiving is synonymous with family gatherings, often bringing together relatives from near and far. The holiday is marked by shared meals, lively conversations, and the creation of lasting memories.

Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder of what truly matters in life: connection, gratitude, and community. As families gather around the table, they celebrate not just the food but the bonds that unite them. Whether it's through sharing a meal, expressing thanks, or giving back to those in need. Thanksgiving invites us all to reflect on our blessings and to embrace the spirit of giving.

Are you a fan of traditional pecan pie?

I have never been a fan of the classic pecan pie. It's overly sweet, gooey, and just not my favorite. Which is why when I found this pecan cream pie I was so obsessed!

It tastes like regular pecan pie but with a creamy, thick, light & fluffy texture. The only thing you have to cook is the pie crust - so it's almost a no bake dessert and completely irresistible.

OR heck, throw it in a pre-made graham cracker pie crust and make it even easier. Still delicious!

Pecan Cream Pie

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10min Fridge: 8hours Total: 8 hours 20min

Ingredients:

1 (9-inch) uncooked pie crust (or can use graham cracker pie crust)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 bars (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided

Instructions:

1. Cook the pie crust according to the package or recipe instructions. Let cool completely, on a cooling rack, before adding the cream pie filling. 1 (9-inch) pie crust.

2. In a mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric hand mixer, or use a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, until stiff peaks form.

   *Start at low speed (to avoid splashing) and increase speed as needed. It takes about 4-5 minutes to see the stiff peaks form.

   1 cup heavy whipping cream

   1/4 cup powdered sugar

3. In a separate mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Beat together until combined and creamy, and no lumps remain in the mixture.

   2 bars (8 oz.) cream cheese

   1/2 cup light brown sugar

   1/4 cup pure maple syrup

4. Stir the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

5. Stir in 1 cup of the chopped pecans.

   1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans, divided

6. Spread the pecan cream filling mixture into the baked and cooled pie crust. Sprinkle the remaining pecans (1/2 cup) on top of pie.

7. Cover the pie with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.

   *I like to whip some additional cream to decorate the top with right before serving and then sprinkle pecans on top. You don't have to do this at all. Serve plain and it's really delicious too.

   
   

Enjoy

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