Thanksgiving Trends

Thanksgiving is a special time for family and friends to come together around the dinner table to enjoy good food, good company, and the bounty of the season. What makes this holiday different from others is that it is celebrated by people of all backgrounds and traditions. Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t just mean turkey and pie, or football and parades; it’s an American family holiday that we love here at Colonial Farms Gourmet Food.

When I see customers pick up their Thanksgiving food—whether that’s a fully catered turkey dinner or some add-on desserts—I take great joy in knowing that they will soon be sharing a meal we worked hard to prepare. There is a lot of love, care, and respect that goes into everything we make. I often say that we are feeding our family, not just customers, and we have a duty to make the best meal for them.

A Twist on Tradition

Turkey has always been the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, but one trend we’re seeing more of lately is serving turkey drumsticks. They’re a fun, hearty addition to the holiday table and a great way to put a twist on tradition. When it comes to selecting side dishes, my favorite recommendation is a sweet potato souffle. It’s sweet, creamy, and rich—the ultimate comfort food.

As delicious as the main course may be, I think dessert is the best part of Thanksgiving. Pies, cakes, and cheesecakes are holiday classics, but there’s something special about smaller sweets that are easy to share and enjoy. Cupcakes, cookies, and miniature bites are a perfect way to add more variety to the table.

Our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars have become a favorite not only for Thanksgiving but throughout the entire season. We start with moist pumpkin cake, baked thin and topped with rich, smooth cream cheese icing. It’s a personal favorite and the trendiest dessert this season. Just one bite has all the warm spices, sweetness, and comforting flavors of Thanksgiving and autumn.

If you enjoy baking during the holidays, try making these bars at home with our recipe here.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars

Ingredients

• 15 ounces pumpkin puree

• 4 eggs

• 1½ cups sugar

• 8 ounces butter, melted

• 2 cups organic all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon salt

For icing

• 8 ounces butter, softened

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar

• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped

Directions

Combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix at medium speed until fluffy. In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture. Mix at low speed until combined. Spread into greased 9-by-13-inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let bars cool.

To make icing, combine softened butter and cream cheese. Mix at low speed until smooth. Add confectioner’s sugar and vanilla until combined. Spread icing on cooled pumpkin bars.

Nick Angelakis has owned Colonial Farms Gourmet Food Market since 1991. He attended the Culinary Institute of America and studied hotel and restaurant management at Penn State. He has lived in Upper Makefield Township with his family since 1985.

Photograph courtesy of Nick Angelakis