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Tina Knowles has long been recognized as more than just the mother of Beyoncé. She is a guiding force and close confidante to both Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Over the years, Tina has played an integral role in supporting the power couple’s careers, from Beyoncé’s early days with Destiny’s Child, to Jay-Z’s business ventures and their joint creative projects. And she sees her kids and grandkids for the holidays. Here’s what Tina revealed in 2024 about the Thanksgiving staple she always has on the dinner table — and we’re betting she’ll have it again in 2025.

Tina Knowles makes her ‘amazing gumbo’ for Thanksgiving

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Tina Knowles likely can’t wait to spend the holidays with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and the couple’s three kids: Blue Ivy Carter, 13, and Rumi and Sir Carter, 8. In December 2024, Tina spoke to E! News about the holiday traditions she loves. And she admitted that she always has her signature dish on the table.

“Making my amazing gumbo,” Tina noted. “I just made it for Thanksgiving, it was so many people that came over. Just good food and company and family.” She also mentioned that “music and family” are what the holidays are all about.

So, what’s in Tina’s gumbo? According to Taste of Home, the matriarch’s Louisiana Creole gumbo recipe featured in her 2002 book, Destiny’s Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Secrets from Destiny’s Child, resurfaced on TikTok. The recipe begins with a roux, frozen okra, celery, bell peppers, onions, and seasonings. Tina then adds proteins, including chicken, crab, and sausage. Finally, she adds tomatoes and brings the gumbo to a simmer. After several hours, shrimp are added. The gumbo is then served over rice.

Tina Knowles previously admitted that Beyoncé ‘can’t cook’

Fans will have to wait and see whether Beyoncé and Jay-Z cook their own Thanksgiving meal. According to Tina Knowles, her famous daughter isn’t good in the kitchen.

“Beyoncé can’t cook,” Tina previously told Us Weekly. However, Beyoncé’s sister, Solange, is much better in the kitchen. “There’s no contest.”

Beyoncé has also previously shared insight into her lack of cooking skills. In a 2006 interview with Cosmopolitan, she admitted that she “doesn’t cook much” when discussing her ideal romantic evening.

“Light some candles, have a good meal, and watch an old movie,” she told the publication. “I don’t cook much, but I’m good at spaghetti and sandwiches. I know they’re easy, but they’re my specialty.”

Beyoncé said Thanksgiving is her ‘favorite holiday’

In November 2008, Beyoncé admitted that she adored Thanksgiving. She also gave insight into who was cooking dinner at the time — and it might not change for 2025.

“For Thanksgiving, my mother usually cooks,” Beyoncé said, according to the Daily Express. “It’s just like anyone else’s Thanksgiving. It’s actually my favorite holiday because it’s not about anything but giving back, giving thanks for all our blessings.”

“Hopefully I’ll try to make some type of pie,” she continued. “I’m not the best cook, but I think I’m ready to try something.”

In 2022, Beyoncé and Jay-Z also weren’t afraid to get some alone time after Thanksgiving. Just Jared reported that the happy couple was spotted dining at Il Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi on the Sunday after the holiday. It’s unclear whether Beyoncé and Jay-Z will go for another date night post-Thanksgiving in 2025, but we love how the couple always finds a way to connect.

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