As the warm Florida sun casts its glow on some vibrant autumn leaves, Thanksgiving approaches, bringing a season of cherished traditions for Ann Scarberry and her family. A celebrated local influencer with over 55,000 followers on Instagram, Ann has a knack for creating mouthwatering Southern recipes and sharing invaluable hosting tips. Her passion for cooking shines through not only in her engaging social media posts but also in the heartfelt stories woven throughout her cookbooks.
Ann shares, "I get so excited about Thanksgiving. I think it's because we have all of the holiday fun without the pressure of gift-giving." Her family’s Thanksgiving traditions are a delightful mix of fun and nostalgia. From watching the parade and classic movies like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles to hosting a soup and salad dinner for out-of-town family on Wednesday night, each moment is filled with warmth.
A favorite family tradition involves decorating turkey-shaped sugar cookies, a custom started by Ann's mother-in-law. While some family members might grumble about it, the tradition continues with love. On Thanksgiving morning, the family enjoys a light breakfast, including pumpkin rolls and cheesy scrambled eggs, while preparing for the day ahead.
As the festivities unfold, Ann emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones. “Most of the prep work is done days in advance, so I can enjoy a lazy morning visiting with family,” she says. The day after Thanksgiving is equally relaxed, with some family members hunting, others shopping, and most lounging in their pajamas. A special tradition for Ann and her husband, Dan, is to watch White Christmas, a ritual that began the night Dan proposed to Ann in 1994.
Saturday often includes a trip to the beach before another big family dinner, which typically features a break from leftovers with a delicious Mexican meal. On Sunday, they might attend church or enjoy a lazy morning, followed by one final meal together before saying goodbye to their traveling family members.
One of the highlights of Ann’s Thanksgiving feast is her signature Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars, a delightful recipe that perfectly captures the essence of the season. This scrumptious dessert is not only a family favorite but also embodies the spirit of togetherness that defines their holiday.
Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars Recipe
For the Crust:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 stick butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Layer:
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions:
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Prepare the crust:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Blend with a fork until well mixed.
- Press the mixture into a 9"x13" pan.
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Prepare the Pumpkin Layer:
- In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
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Make the Cheesecake Swirl:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin layer.
- Use a sharp knife to swirl through the pumpkin and cheesecake layers, being careful not to touch the crust.
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Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the counter.
- Transfer to the fridge until ready to serve.
Ann encourages everyone to make these bars a part of their own Thanksgiving celebration, sharing them with loved ones as a delightful end to the meal. They embody her philosophy of cooking: simple ingredients, heartfelt preparation, and a focus on creating lasting memories around the table.
As Thanksgiving nears, Ann reminds us that the heart of the holiday lies in connection—with family, friends, and the delicious food that brings us all together. With recipes like her Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars, she inspires us to embrace the spirit of the season, one bite at a time.
Follow Ann on Instagram @annscar for more scratch baking inspiration.
Subscribe to her weekly meal plans by visiting her website: https://www.annscarberry.com.