It turns out all of our family's Thanksgiving recipes, spanning at least 2-3 generations, are on Pinterest. I realized this fact while planning our Thanksgiving meal in Japan far away from family.

You write down the recipes on cards, maybe have a few emailed to you, you put them in your recipe books, they become scattered between your home and three others when you have a military move, etc. So I searched for my aunt's famous Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Recipe when I realized it was strikingly similar to Paula Dean's. "What other family secret recipes are on the internet?" I wondered.

Before I knew it I was pinning every single one on board I titled "Thanksgiving" and just like that the menu was set. For the last three years, when I can't remember where a certain recipe card is, I revisit that same board. For fun, I thought this week I'd share that board with you!

1. Turkey Legs

Picture two newlyweds who literally only eat turkey on Thanksgiving with a huge bird. We only did that once. Since then, roast chicken and turkey legs!

2. Homemade Gravy

Easily one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is smothering the bird and possibly even some of the sides with gravy made from scratch. It is very important.

3. Hawaiian Rolls

Both my husband and I grew up with Hawaiian Rolls at Thanksgiving so that's a score! We still by the classic package but maybe if I ever find the time to be an overachiever I'll do them from scratch!

4. Roasties (Roast Potatoes)

I grew up with mashed potatoes and they're great with gravy but my husband grew up with roast potatoes. I went with it and figured out how to make them extra crispy. They are like a cross between mashed potatoes and french fries and I look forward to them.

5. French Hens

As I mentioned before, we are a small family and don't require a big turkey unless traveling to visit family out of state. So our usual go to is the small French hens. I also like this recipe for after Christmas as the third day of the 12 days. It's a fun and meaningful tradition that represents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

6. Green Bean Casserole

I have always loved some Green Bean Casserole jazzed up with Parmesan and red pepper, but then I found this recipe. It has a broth-based sauce in place of the cream of mushroom soup. I love it!

7. Carrot and Turnip Puree

I didn't understand this the first Thanksgiving I was exposed to it, my American self thought it was baby food, but it grew on me. It's a British dish and has become a staple on our Thanksgiving table as it's a comfort food for my husband. It's actually quite good.

8. Pecan Cheesecake Pie

I want this right now. Somebody put the coffee on while I make it! I mean, it's pecan pie and cheesecake at the same time! It's heaven on earth.

So what do you absolutely must have on your Thanksgiving table? We will likely have a couple other sides but the eight items above are a must. Happy Thanksgiving!