Warm, hearty and comforting. That was the feeling I always got at the Thanksgiving table growing up. My Grandpa Frank found tremendous joy in bringing people together for the holiday – family members and stragglers who needed a place to call home. He was a proud WWII veteran with a big laugh who relished celebrating our blessings while sharing a bountiful spread of roasted turkey and bubbling casseroles.
A few years ago, just a few days before Thanksgiving, I met Tom Reilly. He was the spirit incarnate of Grandpa Frank. Tom and I had gathered to celebrate the life of his late wife, Dorcas Reilly, and her contribution to American food – the beloved green bean casserole.
Credit: Laura Fuchs
Credit: Laura Fuchs
At 93, Tom was quite spry and could tell a story that made you hold onto every word. I peppered him with questions, eager to hear stories about the woman who created America’s most searched Thanksgiving casserole.
Tom swooned about his bride and her humble recipe creation that, for years, they called “green bean bake” before it graced tables across the country. Tom felt my sincere appreciation for Dorcas and her dish. In that moment, he reached for my collar and affixed a special pin, officially inducting me into the 50-year Green Bean Casserole Club.
As millions of us make Green Bean Casserole for Thanksgiving, in a lot of ways, we all are members of the Green Bean Casserole Club. My version is an homage to Tom and Dorcas and to my family’s love for crab-stuffed mushrooms during the holidays. I toss fresh, lump crab meat with Parmesan and Old Bay and pile it on top of Dorcas' casserole base. Rather than store-bought onion rings, I fry shallots for a fresh, crispy-salty touch.
Credit: Brooke Slezak
Credit: Brooke Slezak
Chadwick Boyd is a TV host, food and lifestyle expert, and author. Find more of his work at chadwickboydlifestyle.com.
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