Kardea Brown is keeping her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, intimate with a special meal for Ma and Grandma. Grandma always brings the turkey, so Kardea is taking on the sides, with Candied Yams, Oyster Stuffing and Cranberry Custard Pie for dessert.

Kardea Brown makes the most of a free day by preparing dishes that make perfect leftovers. First up is Chicken Pot Pie, and she makes plenty of Cheesy Country Ham Grit Balls with Spicy Mayo and some Pan-Roasted Sage and Butternut Squash.

On her birthday, Kardea Brown wants nothing more than to cook a decadent meal for two of her favorite ladies, Momma Pat and Aunt TC. The celebratory dinner starts with Carolina She-Crab Soup followed by delectable Red Wine-Braised Beef Short Ribs sitting atop Creamy Sweet Potato Polenta. And for a truly Southern birthday, Kardea bakes a traditional Hummingbird Cake and enjoys a spiced banana and pineapple piece of heaven.