Corn pudding is a creamy, warm, delicious family tradition for Thanksgiving dinner. A few ingredients make up this dish that is known by many names: Corn Pudding, Corn Casserole, Scalloped Corn or Corn Spoonbread.

Family traditions make the holidays enjoyable. Granted, some families have traditions that are stressful. My mother made an effort to create low stress holidays. She has an open door policy.

Any family members who are in the area are welcome. If somebody has other plans, that’s fine and no hurt feelings. I think that is a good policy.

Some of our family Thanksgiving traditions revolve around the food served at the meal. Dad always prepared the turkey and stuffing. Mom’s pies have a prime spot on the menu. The side dishes are anticipated as well.

My grandma grew up in Vermont. New Englanders thrive on traditions. She always made Corn Pudding for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

[bctt tweet=”Grandma’s Corn Pudding – not just for Thanksgiving! “]

Apparently, this recipe that my Grandma Chase brought with her to Ohio from New England is similar to others that people have adapted to their regions. I’ve had a chance to talk to people from all parts of the country and they have a similar dish they serve.

It seems like no matter what part of the country you call home, no matter what ethnic flavors you prefer, there is a corn pudding for you!

I’ve talked to people from other parts of the country who are intrigued by the name Corn Pudding. But once I describe the dish they reveal their family’s name for it. Escalloped Corn. Corn Casserole. Baked Corn. It’s all the same dish made from similar recipes.

It is creamy, corny, and baked full of warm memories.

Grandma’s Corn Pudding Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (10 oz) Whole Kernel Corn, drained
• 2 cans (10 oz) Creamed Corn
• 2 boxes Corn Muffin Mix
• 2 Eggs, beaten
• 16 oz Sour Cream
• 8 TB Margarine or Butter
• Salt and Pepper

Recipe Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 pan and set aside.
2. Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Spread corn mixture in casserole dish.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake uncovered for 55 minutes or until edges begin to turn brown.

Note: Divide recipe in half if you want to make a 8×8 pan.

Approximate Nutritional Information:

Servings 12, Calories 330, Total Fat 20 g, Cholesterol 44mg, Sodium 565mg, Total Carbs 36g, Dietary Fiber 2g, Protein 5g

Make it a Meal:

Serve alongside the turkey for Thanksgiving. Also makes a great compliment to ham dinner.

Variations:

I like to sprinkle the top liberally with black pepper, however, other families use red pepper or paprika for a dash of color.

Some families toss in some diced ham, jalapeno peppers or shredded cheddar cheese.

Other alternatives to dressing up this dish include the following additions: diced onions, sliced mushrooms, diced red pepper, green peas, jalapenos, and a sprinkling of the fried onion crunchies on top.

Thanksgiving is a time of traditions: Food, Family, Friends, Fellowship. At least in my family, Thanksgiving traditions abound and are adhered to. Some years we follow a few of the traditions, other years we follow all of them. I think it depends on the amount of prep time we have and the amount of stress we are under.

Most Americans follow a tradition of a family meal based around a turkey. Some families have traditions that include watching a football game, making crafts or going for a long walk through the woods. Other traditions surround who hosts the gathering, what side dishes are served and who does the dishes.

Over the years the side dishes have changed as a reflection of our tastes and the folks present. We’ve learned that if we are going to have a lot of children, the more simple dishes we offer the better. Those are the years we’ve had peas, corn, carrots and white potatoes.

If the ratio includes more adults, we’ve had broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and yams, all fixed in more complicated recipes.

My family tradition is part of a larger tradition, it seems. That shouldn’t have come as a surprise to me, considering we include the Corn Pudding with our Thanksgiving dinner. What meal is more traditional in this country than Thanksgiving Dinner?

Whether your family serves turkey or lasagna, white or sweet potatoes, eats dinner at home or in a restaurant, the basic tradition is a gathering of friends and family to share a meal. That’s what is important about Thanksgiving and the foods on the table are the means by which we celebrate our relationships.

I invite you to use my grandma’s recipe along with your family’s traditional menu. Take a moment to talk about your traditions with your family and enjoy the time together.

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