Thankful for a Simple Thanksgiving Filled with Love, Laughter and Delicious Food

Thanksgiving is often pictured as a grand event with elaborate dishes and endless preparations. This year, I found joy in a different kind of celebration—one that was simple, genuine, and filled with the warmth of family and friends. Taking a day off from the bakery gave me the chance to fully embrace the moment, surrounded by laughter, good food, and the comfort of loved ones.

AI generated perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey. Ours was not this perfect, but was the best tasting turkey we've ever eaten.

The Heart of a Down-to-Earth Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving meal was far from fancy, but every dish was made with care and tasted incredible. The centerpiece was a 21-pound roast turkey, cooked to perfection with crispy skin and juicy meat. Unfortunately the juicy skin stuck to the cheesecloth I had wrapped around it and peeled off in one fell swoop. The skin, however, was DELICIOUS, but left the bird a bit .... naked.

Our real-life bird, a bit naked when I peeled this skin off on accident.

Alongside it, we enjoyed a corn casserole that brought a sweet, creamy texture to the table. The green bean casserole was made from scratch, with fresh green beans and a homemade mushroom sauce, giving it a rich, comforting flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.

Stuffing filled with herbs and savory spices complemented the turkey beautifully, while mashed potatoes were topped with a bone broth turkey gravy that added depth and warmth to every bite. Cranberry sauce, tart and sweet, balanced the meal perfectly. This simple menu reminded me that Thanksgiving is not about complexity but about sharing food that feels like home.

Moments That Made the Day Special

The day was not just about the food. Watching football games together created a relaxed atmosphere where everyone could cheer, tease, and enjoy the friendly competition. Between plays, we played board games and card games, sparking laughter and playful rivalry. These moments of connection made the day feel rich and full.

Spending time with friends and family without the rush of work or the pressure of perfection was a gift. It allowed us to focus on what truly matters: the people around the table and the joy of being together. The simple act of sharing stories, jokes, and smiles made the day unforgettable.

A fresh-from-the-oven, warmly spiced cherry pie.

Sweet Endings and Lasting Memories

Dessert was a delightful finish to the meal. We enjoyed homemade apple pie, pumpkin pie, and cherry pie, each bursting with seasonal flavors. The whipped cream was freshly made, light and fluffy, adding the perfect touch to every slice. These desserts were simple but made with love, just like the rest of the meal.

Taking a break from the bakery’s daily grind reminded me how important it is to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures. This Thanksgiving was a beautiful reminder that love, laughter, and good food don’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.

Friends and family gathered around a coffee table playing board games

And the Best Part of All ...

I'd be remiss if I ended my thanks without mentioning one of the very best parts about the Thanksgiving holiday -- especially as it pertains to food ....

The leftover Thanksgiving sandwich, the "Bobby" if you will. By 10am Friday morning, leftover sammies were made and eaten. Our stomachs were once again filled and happy, setting the stage for another great day with family and friends.

A Hawaiian roll with warmed roasted turkey, corn casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, and topped with cranberry sauce.