Jeremy Miller, known for his role as the spirited youngest son Ben Seaver on the beloved 1980s sitcom “Growing Pains,” has transitioned from acting to embracing the culinary arts as he prepares for Thanksgiving.
Starting his career at just five years old, Jeremy captivated audiences with his playful antics. Now, he’s channeling that energy into creating special holiday meals.
In addition to his role on “Growing Pains,” he lent his voice to characters such as “Linus” in various Peanuts specials, including “Happy New Year, Charlie Brown,” and has become a prominent motivational speaker and guest at events nationwide.
Jeremy attributes his love for cooking to his grandmother, who adored hosting and feeding loved ones. “For her, cooking was a way to show love. I grew up in the kitchen with her,” he reflects.
Jeremy’s Thanksgiving Culinary Roots
“The foundation of our holiday traditions stems from my maternal grandmother,” Jeremy recounts. “Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday, and the food we served was classic fare from the 1950s and 1960s.”
Her spread typically featured mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, turkey, and ham. While he cherished all her dishes, two of his top choices are Creole Garlic Soup and Homemade Ham with Spiced Apples and Pears—those were the first recipes his grandmother let him contribute to their Thanksgiving meals.
“These dishes have become essential for our family and serve as a cherished reminder of the trust she placed in me to add my own flair to our celebrations,” Jeremy shares.
One of his fondest Thanksgiving memories revolves around cooking with her for a gathering of over 150 guests. “We spent days preparing. I loved listening to her childhood stories while playfully arguing whether my Dodgers were superior to her Cincinnati Reds,” he reminisces.
“The best part of Thanksgiving is gathering in the kitchen,” Jeremy continues. “With family and friends, some cooking while others taste-test, sharing laughter and stories—it’s truly special.”
His final must-have dish is candied yams, a personal favorite he enjoys throughout the year. Below are his recipes for these three essential Thanksgiving staples.
