I got to hang out with Joanna in Waco, Texas, and we chatted all things holiday cooking.
It’s no secret that Joanna Gaines has given us many reasons to be thankful. Her recipes, from banana bread to slow-cooker meals, have been lifesavers on busy weeknights and special occasions alike. And she even took it a step further recently by offering her Magnolia Table baked goods in the freezer aisle at Target—all you have to do is pop them in the oven!
When I was in Waco, Texas to celebrate the launch of that new Magnolia Table line, I had a chance to chat with Jo about what she’s looking forward to this holiday season.
What holiday recipe is Joanna Gaines most excited for this year?
“I love doing all the sides. The meat is what it is, it’s turkey or a tenderloin,” she told me. “For me, sides are where you bring in all that holiday comfort and nostalgia.” She elaborated on the dishes that are meaningful to her: “Green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole and all the desserts.”
I love that Joanna Gaines and I share the same mentality about holiday cooking: that the meat is the least interesting part!
While we were talking, she mentioned that cooking used to really stress her out, especially when she had four little kids at home. “When I shifted my mentality and started thinking about cooking like, ‘Oh, I get to provide for my family’, it became more fulfilling,” she said. “And now two of my kids are in college, and when they come home, what they want is food.”
Infusing Traditional Dishes with a Bit of Novelty
If you’ve been wanting to try out a brand-new holiday recipe or update your Christmas dinner ideas this year, then go right ahead—Joanna wants to shake things up a bit too.
“My family is super traditional, and they want the same thing every year, but this year, my goal is to add on a few different dishes at every holiday meal,” she said. By adding something surprising to the mix, she hopes it can become a new tradition. I think she just might be on to something!
Related:
