Our founder, Terry Wheatley, is looking forward to an unforgettable Thanksgiving celebration this year, infused with flavors that honor both her Western roots and the traditions of her extended family. As Terry shares, "This year, we’re celebrating Thanksgiving with a twist—Kamryn is hosting, and it’s a 'Cowboys & Mexicans' theme! Her dad, who owns a BBQ restaurant, is bringing smoked turkey. Katie and I are bringing sides like cowboy corn, classic marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, and green beans with bacon.
Cowboy Corn: A Nod to Western Heritage
One dish that’s bound to be a hit is "Cowboy Corn," a hearty, flavorful side inspired by classic cowboy-style cooking. Known for its simplicity, bold flavors, and use of fresh ingredients, Cowboy Corn combines sweet corn with bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, and sometimes a sprinkle of cheese or bacon. The result is a rustic, savory dish that’s packed with flavor and brings a taste of the West to the table.
For Terry, Cowboy Corn is more than just a side—it’s a symbol of her Western heritage and the traditions she grew up with. "Raised in the rugged landscapes of the West, I’ve always valued the spirit of community, hard work, and gathering around good food," she shares. "Cowboy Corn represents that warm, communal feeling of Western cookouts, where meals are simple but delicious, and everyone feels like part of the family."
(Cowboy Corn Photo: Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox from Southern Living)
Tamales: A Holiday Tradition Full of Heart
On the other side of the table, Kamryn’s Mexican relatives will bring their family’s traditional dishes, including ham, mashed potatoes, and tamales. Tamales hold a special place in many Mexican and Latin American households, particularly during the holiday season. These savory bundles, made with masa (corn dough) and filled with seasoned pork, chicken, cheese, or chili, are wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection.
Making tamales is often an all-day affair, bringing family members together in a cherished tradition known as a tamalada. During this gathering, everyone joins in to help prepare the masa, season the fillings, and wrap each tamale. It’s a time for storytelling, laughter, and bonding—a beautiful way to honor heritage and keep cultural traditions alive. Sharing tamales at the Thanksgiving table not only brings warmth and flavor but also embodies the spirit of togetherness and family.
Cranberry Fluff: A Throwback to Terry’s Childhood
In a nod to nostalgia, Terry plans to make her mother’s favorite holiday dish: grated cranberries with pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped cream—a dish fondly known as Cranberry Fluff or Cranberry Salad. This retro holiday favorite combines tart, sweet, and creamy flavors in a way that’s refreshing and fun.
Dessert, Courtesy of a True Friend
No Thanksgiving feast would be complete without dessert, and Terry is thrilled to have her friend Tami Crews in charge of the dessert table. As Terry happily says, "Tami is taking care of the dessert table—because she loves me!" With Tami’s treats rounding out the meal, this Thanksgiving is sure to end on a sweet note.
