Carrying On a Tradition in a Brown Bag

This Thanksgiving was my first without my mom. She had a special way of bringing love into our family, even when things were far from perfect. One of her most cherished contributions was her Thanksgiving turkey—a recipe that became a rare and lasting tradition in our home.

The Memory

Mom loved trying to create traditions, though many of them changed year to year. But her Thanksgiving turkey was the one constant. She had perfected a method that involved seasoning the turkey with peanut oil and paprika, placing it in a brown paper bag, and baking it until it was tender and juicy. She was so proud of how it always turned out, and she loved sharing the recipe with anyone who asked.

This year, I decided to carry on that tradition. I bought a turkey, a duck, and even a hen to experiment with. The duck was a disaster, but the hen, seasoned with her recipe and baked in a small brown bag, turned out beautifully. It tasted just like hers and brought back so many cherished memories of her love and care.

Moms Impact

Recreating her turkey felt like more than just cooking—it was a way to feel close to her again. Even though our family was never tightly knit, her Thanksgiving meals always brought a sense of warmth and connection. Her recipe reminded me of her pride in the small things and the love she poured into our lives. It’s a tradition I now hope to continue, not just for the flavor, but for the bond it represents.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving, I felt my mom’s presence in a simple but powerful way—through the turkey recipe she loved so much. Honoring her memory by carrying on this tradition has helped me feel connected to her, even in her absence. Moving forward, I hope to keep this tradition alive, not just to honor her but to remind myself of the love and care she gave to all of us.

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