A Soules Thanksgiving

Since we celebrated with Kevin's Family early this year, it was now my parents turn.

Actually, I convinced them and begged my mom to have Thanksgiving at home. I wanted to have the stuffing with chestnuts (my Aunt Rebb's recipe) and my dad's chocolate pecan pie. Not to forget that later in the evening Nate and I would watch Home Alone while sipping Cherry 7up. This crazy tradition started when Home Alone first aired on TV. Nate and I were bored, so we watched it and loved it. Every little boy learned how to scream like Kevin into the mirror that year. Now, we have an old copy of the movie and still find it just as entertaining on Thanksgiving night after our stomachs are full. Luckily, my mom gave in and decided to do the works (I used the "I'm your favorite daughter and it would be so much fun excuse").

Daddy Carving the Turkey and our banquet of food in my parents kitchen.

This girl loved it the most.

We also changed things up just a tiny bit. Nate made the turkey (I know, my brother can cook better than I can, shhhhh) and this year, my mom made the sweet potatoes (we usually bought them pre-made) with a recipe I found on Real Simple.

 Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 1hr 10m

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
• 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1⁄4-inch-thick rounds
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Oil a shallow 2 ½- to 3-quart baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper; transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake until tender, 45 to 50 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the pecans, sugar, thyme, cayenne, the remaining tablespoon of oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Remove the foil from the baking dish, sprinkle the pecan mixture over the potatoes, and continue to bake, uncovered, until the pecans are toasted, 10 to 12 minutes. 

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Family+Lots of food+Thankfulness+watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade+Aiden stuffing her face+watching the Cowboys game+homemade chocolate pecan pie+watching Home Alone+drinking lots of Cherry 7up+Chestnut stuffing+homemade pumpkin pie= 

A FABULOUS Soules Family Thanksgiving

I'm one lucky girl.