The Thanksgiving Table in 2020

Thanksgiving is my #1 most favorite holiday in the entire world. It’s like the Superbowl of all holidays for me and my family. We start planning our menu in the beginning of September (I know we’re kind of intense). We send out emails, share recipes and have heated debates on what new dishes to try, what dishes to keep, who’s making the gravy this year, etc. A few months into the pandemic, I asked my Mom, “what about Thanksgiving this year? What are we going to do?” This wave of sadness came over me. I can’t imagine not being able to celebrate Thanksgiving without my family and friends. I knew the Thanksgiving Table in 2020 would not look the same. 

What does Thanksgiving look like in 2020?

We quickly realized the guest count of our normal 30-40 people would be reduced to 6 of us. However, I wasn’t ready to give up on our classic Thanksgiving dishes. At one point someone in my family (who shall remain nameless) suggested we roast a turkey breast in lieu of whole turkey…aww hell no! This year I am determined to continue some of our traditions. I realize we can’t make every single dish that’s normally on the table however I’m still making a whole turkey, we are still having the best cornbread dressing, Grandma’s cranberry jello mold isn’t going away.

Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been trying to find the silver lining. Trust me, some days it’s really, really hard. Normally the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving are full of prep work, grocery shopping (multiple stores, multiple trips), organizing and it’s just so dang busy. I’ve always had the intention of sharing Thanksgiving recipes on Instagram and on my blog but when it comes down to it–I’m just too freakin’ busy!!

So here comes the silver lining. I am taking advantage of the smaller guest count this year to share some classic Berrington Family Thanksgiving traditions with you all. Nothing warms my heart more than cooking with my family on this holiday. I am hoping sharing these recipes with you, will bring joy to your family during an incredibly challenging time. We can still have a Thanksgiving Table in 2020, it just looks a little different.

Here comes the lineup of Berrington Family Recipes

Essential Thanksgiving Turkey Stock

Dry-Brined Herb Roasted Turkey 

Thanksgiving Mushroom Gravy

Cornbread Dressing

Creamy Peas with Fried Leeks

Remember…stay safe, stay healthy and stay grateful!