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GPI EMPLOYEE THANKSGIVING FAVORITES

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, delicious food, and creating lasting memories. In this special blog post, we're shining a spotlight on our amazing employees by sharing their favorite recipes and memories. Get your aprons ready, and let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember!

GNOCCHI

SABRINA CHAPMAN

It is Italian potato-based dumplings covered in butter, garlic, and onion. If it is in a soup, it is disgusting. My family grew up with this dish because my dad's side of the family is Italian, and my Grammy was the first one to introduce me to it. It is absolutely unhealthy, but it is so yummy. My family now gifts it for Christmas and birthdays.

My favorite memory happened this year when my brother's wife reached out because, as he goes through chemo, he really wanted it. We spent hours going over what to add and how to cook it. It has become a huge tradition in my family, and everyone loves it.

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LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN

KEN BOLLINGER

Its a layer of crushed pecans for the crust, then a layer of cream cheese and whipped topping whipped cream together, then a layer of vanilla pudding, then a layer of chocolate pudding, topped with another layer of whipped cream at the top.

My wife is the only one who can make it and it's at every special occasion on both sides of the family.

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KÄSEPÄTZLE, JAMBALAYA, MINCED MEAT PIE

TYLER WEBER

I made all of these dishes from scratch. Käsespätzle is made by crafting egg noodle dough, and using a spätzle maker, and then adding the rest of the ingredients to the dish. This is something I like to make, coming from the German side of my family. This dish is basically Germany's version of Mac & Cheese.

Jambalaya is also something I like to make around Thanksgiving time. It has andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and more!

It's also nice to include the English side of the family and make Minced Meat (Beef) Pies.

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LEGENDARY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

CARI BOCKOVER

I found this recipe a few years ago...and now it's a staple at our Thanksgiving Dinner table!!!

RECIPE COURTESY OF REE DRUMMOND
Level: Intermediate
Total: 1 hr 35 min
Active: 1 hr
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Preheat oven to 350° F

Onion Topping

2 large white onions, sliced thin
1/2 cup whole milk
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons seasoning salt

Combine the onions and milk in a bowl, then set aside. Heat 2 inches oil in a high-sided heavy-bottom pot to 375 degrees F. In a bowl, combine the flour and seasoning salt. In batches, lightly dredge the onions in the flour, shaking off the excess. Drop into the oil and fry util golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Remove each batch to a paper towel-lined sheet pan.

Casserole

Blanch the green beans by dropping them into lightly salted boiling water, allowing the green beans to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans once they're cool, then set aside.

Make the sauce by adding the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, onions, garlic and rosemary. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown and the onions have softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and let it melt. Sprinkle over the flour and stir to make a roux, letting it cook for about 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the stock and cream. Let cook slightly to thicken, 5 to 6 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

In a large baking dish, add half the blanched green beans. Top with half the sauce, then the remaining green beans and the remaining sauce. Top with the Parmesan, then bake until it has melted and the sauce is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes before mounding the top with the fried onion topping and sprinkling over the parsley. Serve.

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THANKSGIVING FAVORITES

Laura Shank

My grandmother, and then later my mom, used to make two specific dishes every Thanksgiving: Scalloped Oysters and Plum Pudding. I'm linking yo recipes that are really close to what they made. Even if you are not a fan of oysters, they are great scalloped! But not good as left overs. I've made both of these dishes a time or two myself.

They oysters are great when they are hot out of the oven! 

Scalloped Oysters RecipeEnglish Plum PuddingBrandy Sauce
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SPICY RISE CASSEROLE

DON BENNET

I have always liked cooking, especially during the holidays. I found this recipe back in the 90's in a Taste of Home magazine. I have been preparing it the last 30 years at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a meal in itself or a good side dish.You can substitute the jalapenos with spicy hot sausage.

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. Mild Bulk Pork Sausage
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Medium onions, chopped
2 Beef boullion cubes
1 to 2 Jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely minced
1 Package (6-1/4 oz) quick-cooking long grain and wild rice mix

Directions

In a large skillet, cook sausage, cumin and garlic powder, stirring often. Drain. 

Add onions and green peppers; saute until crisp-tender. Dissolve bouillon in water; add to skillet. Stir in jalapenos, rice, and rice seasoning packet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 5-10 minutes or until the water is absorbed. 

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