Our Team Talks Turkey

When we asked our team about their Thanksgiving favorites, we quickly learned two things: no one can agree on sweet potatoes, and everyone has strong feelings about pie.

Favorite dishes are as varied as they are delicious. Cheri Ezell can’t imagine Thanksgiving without dressing, while Lindsay Hatfield says mashed potatoes with gravy are non-negotiable. Jill Ballew agrees, “MASHED POTATOES!!” no debate there. Erica Aldridge is all about the green bean casserole, and Laura Polite goes a little off-script with homemade spaetzle noodles.

When it comes to hosting, we’re a mix of seasoned pros and grateful guests. Amy Wilson’s been in charge for 25 years (“took over for my mom”), while Lindsay happily lets her mom continue hosting. Regan Flood hosts every year, but she does it her way: “My invitations read BYOK – Bring your own kids, and I’m not cooking alone.”

We had a few strong feelings about shortcuts, too. Some of us say cooking everything yourself is what makes it Thanksgiving (“you have to risk disaster,” says Mark Hummel), while Erica Aldridge says her family takes cooking very seriously and she jokes that she may be shunned if she tried to just heat things up.

On potluck dinners, it’s nearly unanimous: yes, please. There’s just something about a table full of everyone’s specialties.

As for the controversial sweet potato debate, it’s a divided house. Marshmallows? Definitely, says Mark. No way, insists Regan (“OMG NO MARSHMALLOWS”). Amy votes no, too, sticking with her rice pilaf stuffing instead of potatoes altogether.

And what about pumpkin pie? Love it or leave it, you’ll find both camps represented here. Mark and Laura say it’s “a must-have, no exceptions.” Erica Aldridge calls it “a classic,” and Lindsay Hatfield says it’s only good after all the real pie has been eaten. Jill Ballew simply says, “Yuck!” Regan Flood’s request each year? A chocolate mousse pie, and yes, her mom always obliges.

Everyone celebrates Thanksgiving a little differently. Some teammates watch It’s a Wonderful Life every year, Regan’s family makes custom shirts for their annual “Turkey Trot,” and Mark’s family switches between board games and outdoor games depending on the weather.

You may be cooking from scratch or calling in backup, but either way we hope your Thanksgiving is full of good food, laughter, and a few new traditions – marshmallows optional.