Thanksgiving at my childhood table was a beautiful fusion of flavors and traditions that would make any Puerto Rican abuela proud. Forget the stereotypical turkey and cranberry sauce! Instead, my family’s feast had pernil—that slow-roasted pork shoulder with crackling skin that was a crispy, salty masterpiece. Of course, there was arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pasteles—those labor-intensive but oh-so-delicious banana-leafed treats that made the holiday feel extra special. In a way, we celebrated Thanksgiving the Puerto Rican way: big flavors, loud laughter, and dancing salsa in the kitchen while the meal cooked.

But as the years rolled on, my Thanksgiving traditions have evolved, and variety has become the spice of my life (or at least my holiday meals!). One year, I might channel my inner gourmet chef and serve Cornish game hens, the next year it’s duck. This year? I’m going full classic-meets-modern with turkey and brisket—because, why not? Who says we need to stick to one main dish on the table?

There’s one thing, though, that never changes: mac and cheese. Because let’s be honest, even if I go wild with the main dishes, I need something everyone will enjoy. No matter how much my menu morphs, the mac and cheese remains a rockstar. Creamy, cheesy, and the dish that all the kids (and let’s be real, the adults too) fight over for seconds. It’s the glue that holds the whole meal together.

Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food (though, let’s be honest, it’s a major highlight!). A consistent main course has to be gratitude. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but sitting down at the Thanksgiving table reminds me to pause and appreciate. To give thanks for my family, for the variety in life—both on my plate and beyond. Traditions evolve, just like we do. From pernil to Cornish game hens to turkey and brisket, the constant thread is family and the love we share, in whatever form it takes that year.

So, while my Thanksgiving table might look a little different each time, the heart of the meal stays the same. Plus, as long as there’s mac and cheese, I think everyone’s pretty happy!