I had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I hope that you did, too.

I spent mine at my sister’s house, and we had quite a spread. My sister did most of the hard work but I pitched in with a few dishes, and everything turned out delicious—even my Shoo Fly Pie!

Here are a couple of the other recipes that I used and highly recommend:

Green bean casserole, front and center. Creamed Corn on the left.

• Ree Drummond’s Green Bean Casserole: This blows cream of mushroom style green bean casseroles out of the water. I’ve made it the last three years, and I was delighted that this year it turned out better than ever. While fresh is often best, I used frozen cut beans this time (that I thawed, then boiled according to the recipe), snuck in some onions (even though my sister isn’t a fan), and really went overboard (in a good way) with the Cayenne Pepper.
• Cream Corn Like No Other: This is so true! It was lick-your-plate good! I did, however, modify the recipe (because I’m my mother’s daughter). I used sweet corn so that I didn’t have to add sugar, and I cut the recipe in half. Speaking of halves, I used half-and-half instead of milk and cream. Also, I pureed some of the corn to add a smoother texture along with the whole kernels.

While my sister’s pampered pooch, Gussy, anxiously awaited the Thanksgiving gravy—it gets poured over his kibble and he knows it—he was my faithful companion. We watched the birds out the back door, and I took pictures.

Me and my pal, Gussy, bird watching. (Photo credit: B. Sullivan)

Rust-colored leaves, the last remnants of fall, provide a pretty backdrop for this cute little black-capped chickadee. — Durham, NC

This downy woodpecker didn’t disappoint. He showed up briefly at the feeder—just long enough to get this shot. — Durham, NC

One of my favorite birds, the white-breasted nuthatch, put on quite a show! –Durham, NC

Can you spot the bird in this photo? (Hint: Just left of center.)

Here’s something you won’t spot: me out in the Black Friday busy-ness! If you brave it, be safe and have fun!