🍂 Thanksgiving Gratitude

Thanksgiving always brings memories of my mama, Lennell Marie Johnson, loving mother of seven and the queen of "doctoring up" a recipe.

When I close my eyes, I can still hear the kitchen sounds: pots simmering, pans sizzling, someone laughing in the background. And if I breathe in deeply enough, I can almost smell the turkey, mac and cheese, greens, red beans and rice, black-eyed peas, smothered chicken, pecan pralines, stuffed mirlitons, and all the dishes that told the story of our California-Louisiana-Creole heritage.

In that kitchen, our family stories lived. Our recipes spoke.

With mama's freestyle cooking... She knew just when to “doctor something up” and make it hers. This still inspires me. Those memories are where my curiosity and love for food first took root. Our California-Louisiana-Creole kitchen was always bustling, and those pots and pans worked overtime. One bite of her food could transport you straight to New Orleans: first, you'd hear the jazz horns, then that second bite would get you right, and the next thing you know, that handkerchief is coming out, and you'd fall into a second line.

The kitchen was the most magical place on earth.

Today, I carry those roots with me, but I’ve also grown new ones. I want to take a moment to honor my husband’s Filipino culture and food, which have become another beautiful layer of our family story. Together, our food keeps us close and tells the stories of those who came before us—stories of love, sacrifice, resilience, and grit. Stories of people who made things work, no matter the circumstance.

This Thanksgiving, we celebrate with food that helps us remember, honor, and venerate our ancestors. The recipes that keep our history alive. Our California-Louisiana-Creole-Filipino kitchen will be full of warmth, laughter, and—of course—delicious food.

🌱 Rooted Takeaways

Our food traditions are more than recipes; they are living archives of identity, migration, resilience, and love. This season, honor the cultures, people, and memories that shape your plate. Every dish you prepare is a story worth preserving.

With deep gratitude, I thank my husband, my family, and my friends for being exactly who you are. And I thank you—the Rooted In Nutrition community—growing slowly, intentionally, and beautifully. 🍂✨

Stay rooted,
Adrienne 💚

In loving memory of my Mama, Lennell Marie Johnson