"Growing Pains" Jeremy Miller's 3 Must-Have Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Jeremy Miller, the widely loved actor who played the youngest son, mischievous Ben Seaver, on the classic 1980s hit show “Growing Pains,” and its two reunion movies, is cooking his three must-have dishes for Thanksgiving Day dinner.Beginning his acting career at 5 years old, Jeremy is best known for cooking up his boyish, trouble-making schemes on our TV screens week after week to the delight of millions of young viewers. Nowadays, though, Jeremy is cooking up delicious holiday dishes, rather than childhood pranks.As well, he’s also a motivational speaker and popular guest at events and conventions across the nation for his role as “Linus” in the beloved Peanuts animated Charlie Brown specials “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” “Snoopy: The Musical,” and “This is America, Charlie Brown.” Still, when it comes to cooking, “I got my passion for cooking from my Grandmother, seeing how she loved feeding people, including her family, friends, and neighbors,” says Jeremy. “Cooking was truly her love language, and I grew up cooking at her side.”As Jeremy’s cooking inspiration and mentor, he learned every tip he could from his grandma about how she cooked everything, and seeing how much love she put into everything she did for those who meant the most to her.Where Jeremy’s Thanksgiving Food Traditions Began“When it comes to the holidays, my family’s food and traditions always started with my maternal Grandma,” explains Jeremy. “Thanksgiving was her favorite, and the dishes that hit our table were very 1950s and 1960s traditional.”His grandma’s dishes included mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, turkey, and ham. Although Jeremy loved her dishes, his first two must-have dishes are his own creations of Creole Garlic Soup and Ham with Spiced Apples and Pears, the first two of his recipes that his grandma allowed him to add to their Thanksgiving meal.“They have become staples for our family and are a wonderful reminder that my Grandma trusted me enough to add my own touches to our Holiday celebration,” explains Jeremy.“The most special Thanksgiving memories I have are of cooking with my Grandma,” shares Jeremy. “She would have upwards of 150 people come through on Thanksgiving Day, and we would cook for days beforehand. I spent as much time in the kitchen with her as possible. Listening to stories of her childhood, arguing about who was better, my Dodgers (da bums) or her beloved Cincinnati Reds.” “The best Thanksgiving tradition is everyone gathering around the kitchen,” describes Jeremy, “Some people cooking, some people tasting, with family and friends laughing, telling stories, and reminiscing.”Jeremy’s third must-have dish is the Candied Yams, his favorite way to have them, and a dish he craves all year long. The following are the recipes for Jeremy’s three must-have dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/ ABC Photo Archives / ContributorHere Are the Recipes for Jeremy’s Three Must-Have Dishes for Thanksgiving: