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Thankful November – Winners & Book Signing

November 17, 2025

collage of pressley family photos

The winner of the used book The Foxfire Book is Robin who said: “So cool that Katie found one thanks for sharing the photos with us as I’ve never seen these. And…yesterday’s video was a blast watching you drive that tractor!”

The winner of the book Letters to Lori – The Family History and Stories of Opal Corn Myers written by Barbara League is Cindy who said: “My brother and I had to walk 1/2 mile to our bus stop. We lived on a tobacco farm and the tobacco was already hanging in the barns by the time school started after Labor Day. The smell of the curing tobacco alone made us worth the walk on nice days. Our farm is located on a Riverfront and let me tell you when the wind starts whipping around here in the winter it is cold! We were thrilled when our aunt gave her old, untagged car to us. We would drive that old clunker out to wait for the bus, and that alone made us “cool”. No heat in that old thing, but we were dry and warm-er!”

The winner of the first Live to Never Die cd is Gloria Hayes who said: “Good job, Paul! Thanks for sharing.

The winners of the second set of slightly damaged Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food cookbooks are:

Sharon Cole who said: “Hot chocolate sounds good! God bless!”

Patsy Allen who said: “Hi Tipper I love your articles You write about a lot of things of the way I grew up . I would love to have a copy of your cookbook. I’m sure there’s lots of recipes l’m familiar with but don’t have the exact recipe. Thank you so much for all you and your Family do and are doing.”

Wendy who said: “Bitter cold has arrived in Central KY! I am going to try Granny’s hot chocolate recipe for a warm treat today. Thanks for all you share, Tipper!”

The winner of the used book Appalachian Values written by Loyal Jones is Vickie Henriquez who said: “First, Thank You to all the men and women who have served our nation! I really enjoy reading your blog and watching your YouTube channel which I found first. Praying for Granny!”

Winners send your mailing address to me at blindpigandtheacorn@gmail.com and I will get your book or cd on the way.


We had a wonderful day at the book signing in Granite Falls, NC. Thank you to everyone who came out to say hello. We so enjoyed meeting you and hearing the amazing stories you shared with us. It was a pure joy!

Scott and Traci, owners of the Little Light Christian Books and Gifts store that hosted us couldn’t have been nicer. We really enjoyed meeting them too.

Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a slightly damaged but new copy of Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food written by Jim Casada and Tipper Pressley. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends November 21, 2025. There will be three winners for this giveaway.

Last night’s video: I Surprised Matt…Kinda.

Tipper

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88 Comments

  1. Thank you for another chance to win your cookbook, and thank you and all your readers for the helpful, homey community you’ve created here. —suz in northern appalachia, at the ohio-pa-wva intersection.

  2. Hi Tipper. I love reading your heartwarming tales. You said you were almost late because you were at your mother’s house. No Tipper it was more important to be at Granny’s house. You never know how much the visit meant to her. I too am 85 years old, and I know what it means to me to have a granddaughter come, even for a short time.
    I am behind reading your daily notes because I fell out of my wheelchair and I am having some problems.
    Tipper, I sure would like to have a copy of your and Jim Casada’s cookbook. I am not able to do much cooking anymore, but I love reading the recipes and stories. please put me in the drawing.

  3. Hi Tipper. I love reading your heartwarming tales. You said you were almost late because you were at your mother’s house. No Tipper it was more important to be at Granny’s house. You never know how much the visit meant to her. And I too am 85 years old, and I know what it means to me to have a granddaughter come, even for a short time.
    I am behind reading your daily notes because I fell out of my wheelchair and I am having some problems.
    Tipper, I sure would like to have a copy of your and Jim Casada’s cookbook. I am not able to do much cooking anymore, but I love reading the recipes and stories. please put me in the drawing.

  4. Congrats winners on these books given by OUR Tipper. I am such a fan and devoted follower. Tipper, I would love to send you one of my books NO SHROUD of SILENCE to show you that I am thankful and appreciative of you. What is your mailing address, plz.

  5. is there any food better then true southern or Appalachian cooking? no cause we know the secrets and they called seasoning and love…

  6. Glad you got to enjoy the book signing on a beautiful day in NC. Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you for Thankful November.

  7. Glad the book signing went well. We have your cookbook already but will give this one away if I am fortunate enough to win a copy.

  8. It was such a joy to see you and Matt at the book signing Saturday. I am so glad you had a great book signing. You and your family are welcome to Caldwell County anytime. You and your family are such a blessing. Thank you for all you do.

  9. I will be watching for you next give away on your book give away and I will enter for a chase to win , Regina Price

  10. Tipper, If anyone wants a cookbook and genuinely cannot afford to buy it, I will volunteer to pay for one for them.

  11. Congratulations to all the winners!! We so enjoyed last nights video. We almost starved to fest and our mouths were watering over the chocolate pie. I make mine the same way. And now I am addicted to Granny’s hot chocolate. Love and prayers to all of you and especially Granny. Also love seeing the boys in the videos when we get a sneak peek.

  12. Hi Tipper, Matt, and family!!. Greetings to y’all from Lucedale; a small beautiful little city about 30 miles from Mobile, AL, and 40 miles from the MS beach towns of Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, and Gulfport. I’ve been keeping up with your blog since 2008, and YouTube channel since you and the girls first started Celebrating Appalachia with your word challenge. I’ve enjoyed reading about and watching your channel ever since. Our language and food is very similar to yours, except for a little coastal Cajun and Creole spice thrown in the mix. I come from ancestral roots that migrated on down from the hill country and settled here, and like you, Tipper I’ve been here all my life. I lost my dad in 2011 to heart disease and I cried like a baby at your sorrow when you lost pap. I lost my mom at 82 the other day November 4th. She had illnesses but her death was sudden. I “celebrated” my 65th birthday the other day, the 14th. In saying this, hold granny close as I did with mom. Love on her and cherish her every minute of every hour of every day. She reminds me so much of my mother. Praying she is doing well. Love to you all from Lucedale!!❤️

  13. I could feel your excitement of Matt coming home in your video yesterday.
    My husband and I were married 61 years when he passed away 2 years ago this Thanksgiving. I always felt that excitement when he came in from hunting, motorcycle trips, Jeep rides or just coming home from work when we were younger.

  14. Gratitude and thankfulness are the words I use to express what I feel for the privilege of having come to know the Pressleys and Wilsons of Wilson Holler in Cherokee County, NC.

    Thank you Tipper, Matt, Katie, Corie, Paul, Louzine and all the other members of the extended clan.

    BTW: I have the cookbook and have probably read the other books you might offer; so please, if my name comes up in the draw, draw again and give the award to someone else.

  15. I love watching your family’s channels and reading this blog. It’s like being with friends. Thank you for sharing your time and a part of your lives with us. Continued prayers for Granny and the family.

  16. It’s so hard to believe we are half way through November! Now that the weather has changed for most of us, we are reminded that winter is right around the corner.

  17. I’m thankful for your blog. “Seeing” & hearing about your extended family interacting so pleasantly, creatively, & supportively gives me hope.

  18. Hey Tipper your video last night trying to surprise Matt was precious..
    Congratulations to everyone that won a prize!

  19. Hey from South Carolina – born and raised in NC. I am so appreciative of not only your wonderful blog, but also your YouTube channel. More often than not, I watch your newest show every night right before heading to bed. Very soothing and peaceful way to end the day. Thanks for all you do to jog my NC memories which enable me to see lives well-lived with faith in God, values, and a simpler life being taught to not only your viewers, but also your daughters and grandsons. You and your family are a testament to lives of substance and hard work. I would LOVE to be considered for one of your cookbooks. I bought two in the past, but gave both away as gifts to native NC friends. I would very much like to have a cookbook of my own to read and use. Thank you.

  20. I’m so glad your book signing went well. Congratulations to all the winners of your cookbook; even if they had to buy a copy, they are still winners.

  21. I would love a copy of this cookbook. Since finding you a few years ago and currently newly signed up to receive TBP&TA, I’ve enjoyed my “sit down” with you, Matt and your famil, as my day winds down. I have looked for years for a recipe my great aunt’s and great grandma used to prepare. It’s called (was their name for it) Smothered Chicken. The baked it in a roasting pan (black speckled enamel). I’ve found several recipes that include cheese. Their’s did not. I guess it wasn’t visually appealing lol because it was just white (flecks of pepper only color) but it was pure comfort food to me as a small child. My other favorite they made was Swiss Steak in a big cast iron skillet. Started on stove top and finished in the oven. Thanks for always stirring up childhood memories.

  22. It was such a wonderful thing to me to meet you and Matt yesterday. It was like seeing family at a family reunion. Thank y’all for taking the time to come to Granite Falls and meet so many of us who have come to love your family so much! It was truly a gift to me. Jane in SC♥️

  23. Congratulations to all the winners ! So fun ! Thank you to Tipper & family ! So glad to hear that the book signing went well , I would have loved to go ! Too far from California lol ! Thankful for you all !

  24. Congratulations to all of the winners! Looking forward to the cd. Thank you.

    So happy the book signing turned out well. I’m so glad you and Matt had a great time, and I know the folks that met you did also.

  25. I really enjoyed meeting both of you at the book signing in Granite Falls this past weekend. I consider you both celebrities, and I was in awe. There was so much I wanted to say but couldn’t–maybe another time. I have really enjoyed reading the cookbook that I bought Saturday. Many of the recipes are like ones Mama made. I also enjoy reading about the Appalachian heritage included in the book. It was an honor and a privilege to meet both of you. I felt as if I had known both of you all of my 77 years. Thank you for praying for me. I certainly believe in the power of prayer. Prayers from God’s people have kept me going. My prayers are with you and your family, especially sweet Granny. Take care and hopefully we’ll meet again.

  26. I would love to have a copy of your cookbook. I don’t care if it’s damaged. I’m glad you’re preserving the Appalachian way of life.

  27. A mention was made about a cast iron pan. I have three granddaughters that I gifted each a cast iron skillet that belonged to their great grandmother. Two of those skillets were in her possession when her house burned in 1947 and were reclaimed. One of the skillets may be close to 100 years old and still being used. All three granddaughters are excellent cooks and use these skillets quite often. Please enter my name for the drawing.

  28. Loved meeting you and Matt on Saturday! You two are so gracious. The added bonus was getting to see the pictures you shared! Thank you for sharing y’all’s life with us! I already have your cookbook so if my name is drawn please give it to someone else.

  29. Love this idea of the whole .month of thankfulness! And I’m enjoying these stories of your life and glimpses of the lives of others in the Appalacians. So much of it can enrich our lives.

  30. Congrats to the winners! It’s cold up in Alberta so we’re been making Granny’s hot chocolate. It’s such a good recipe, it’s what we had when we were kids. I love your cookbook, the stories and recipes haven’t disappointed me yet! ❤️

  31. Tipper I always enjoy your blog posts and videos. I would absolutely be tickled to death to win a copy of your cookbook. I mean who cares if it is slightly damaged? It’s not how it looks but how it tastes…lol…seems like I’ve heard a special lady say that many times!

  32. First time commenting. I love reading here and watching on YouTube but have just never commented. Today I will. when I watch or read it takes me back to my Mawmaw and Pawpaw who’ve been with Jesus for 30 and 37 years respectively. Appalachian grandparents and family, such a blessing. Food, lifestyle, mountain talk, food, recipes and on and on. Thank y’all for blessing all of us with bringing back sweet times and memories.

    in His Service,
    Tony C Stracener

    Hebrews 10:24–25

    ESV

    24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

  33. Congratulations to the winners. My husband and I are so thankful to have discovered you and your family. We enjoy the glimpses into your ways of celebrating Appalachia. Have a blessed day everyone!

  34. So glad for you the book signing went well. Congratulations to all the winners. Your idea of the giveaways is such a good one. It combines so many worthwhile things I could never list them all. Throughout all your posts, videos and giveaways you demonstrate what we really most all know down deep. It is the person-to-person connections that prove to be of the greatest value in life.

  35. Hello Tipper and Family!
    Well, I missed out on the first books but my luck will be better this time! Why, it’s my birthday week, I’ll be 71 years young! The cookbook would be a birthday surprise ! Thank you!

  36. Thank you, Tipper, for taking time to do this blog every day; I love my daily dose of Appalachia! Really hoping to win this cookbook; I need to learn how to get better at biscuits and pie dough!

  37. I introduced my husband to your sweet family last night and he asked why I don’t make him chocolate pie I have very much enjoyed your videos and look forward to learning more and more!

  38. I too like so many others am praying for Granny! I hope she will be feeling well enough to partake in the gathering on Thanksgiving day.
    Have a blessed week Acorns!

  39. I have not listened to last night’s video. I will today and try to make it to the live stream. I am glad you had a good book signing. I hope Granny is doing OK and not hurting. Congrats to all the winners. My sister’s love the cookbook I got them. Congratulations to all the winners!

  40. I am happy you had such a good time at your book signing. I wish I could have been there too. I just watched your video of the surprise dinner and dessert for Matt. I definitely need to make that chocolate pie!! Looks so good!

  41. Yesterday My mom and I went to a traditional Tamale making. I think there were about 14 of us. We had no idea how much work it was or how much time it would take, but it was worth it. We all had so much fun and met new friends. We will do it again in the spring!

  42. BBBRRR it was 19 degrees when we got up this morning at 5am here in the mountains of NE TN. The creek is back up a little after the rainy day yesterday. It breaks my heart that I didn’t get to come to the book signing. I’m holding out to try to win one of the battered cookbooks. If not I’m hoping to get one for Christmas. If all else fails by January I’m saving my nickles (cause we don’t have pennies any more) and I’ll buy one. I loved watching “Luckiest Man alive” yesterday and “Matt’s Surprise” after he came home from hunting. I want some Squash and Kale. I watched several other videos too. I loved Pizza and Ice Cream and Breakfast on the Porch. I keep all of you here and in Wilson Hollow in my prayers. I love Y’all.

  43. A few of my kids and myself were blessed to be able to travel a while back to your Knoxville book signing, we had a great time that day! Glad to hear you are able to keep offering book signings!

  44. Love watching your podcasts on YouTube. We’ve tried some of your recipes and would be great to have your cookbook. I’m going to try making the Chocolate Pie you shared yesterday.

  45. Congratulations to the winners. Cold at my house today but hot tempers in the kitchen we are in the midst of renovating.

  46. Tipper & Matt, glad to know the book signing was a success! Like you, I love to meet new people!
    Praying for good days ahead for your Mama.

  47. I had a memorable Saturday too. It could have been the best day of my life. I got to meet up with old friends that I’d never met before. Take that back, it’s only me that was old, they certainly were not.
    Please don’t consider me in the drawing for the cookbook, I think I have plenty.

    1. I’m Thankful For You Tipper,Matt, Family For A Clean, Wholesome,Salt Of The Earth, Good People. I Really Enjoy Watching Y’all,Seeing All The Beauty,Old Ways Still Being Used Today. My Daddy Used To Take Us To Brasstown Bald A Lot When I Was Growing Up.And I Went Into Adulthood. But Now Traveling Is Very Hard For Me I Have Bone On Bone On Both Knee’s. God Bless Y’all Always, Forever

  48. Denise, your comment about getting cast iron pan on your anniversary, when my wife had her wedding shower a neighbor and friend to both of us gave my wife a cast iron frying pan that is still being used, this year would be 51 years ago. The lady told my wife she could not only use the pan for cooking but make Randy behave! Now my wife and this lady have both died.

  49. Congratulations to all the winners. Your tractor looks like ours. Big orange Kubota is quite handy. Prayers for granny

  50. Praying for all of us to have a week filled with blessings and gratitude, good/better health and focus on what matters most. Much love from upper middle Tennessee.

  51. One of the things I’m thankful for this year is technology that allows you to share your wisdom and recipes. Have a wonderful week!

  52. good morning everybody God bless you very much, it’s 37° in Georgia, God bless Granny Wilson, thank you for praying for me and my family

  53. It’s a beautiful Morning here in Blount County, Tennessee. I bet Matt loved his surprise dinner. I would love some gravy and biscuits this morning, but I can’t eat them because of gluten sensitivity. I have made and eaten my share over the years. Nothing like Southern food. Congratulations to the winners. God bless

  54. Congratulations winners! I’d love to be on your team. Really enjoy reading and watching the Pressley family. Thank you.

  55. I’m thankful for you Tipper, and the work you do celebrating Appalachia. What a blessing to learn about your life and local community and to see a family so close & supportive with each other, and so invested and open in their Christian faith.

  56. Warmer weather is here again. Cold then it warms up again. Looks like we will be in the low 80’s again for this week. Preparing for Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

  57. Glad to hear you had a great book signing! If it had been closer we would have stopped by and brought another supply of Little Debbie’s.

  58. Congratulations everyone!!
    May y’all be blessed with a wonderful week ahead!! Praying Granny has a week full of good moments and memories!!

  59. Camped at Moundville State park last night. The night was capped off by roaring fire and us having two steaming mugs of “hot chocolate” as the fog begin to thicken across the field that once was the largest city in North America. These “mounds in the mist” are always a sight see. I went out about 4:15 this morning to try an see the end of the Lenoid meteor shower that peaked last night/this morning between midnight and daylight. I decided it was too cold and went back in the camper for hot coffee as the sky began to lighten.
    Jeffery in Alabama
    PS: here is the link to Moundville Archaeolgical Park where we’re camping.
    https://moundville.museums.ua.edu/

  60. So glad you had a great book signing. Matt enjoyed his meal that was a partly surprise. lol
    Hope Granny is doing better.

  61. I can’t wait for your videos and live stream on Mondays. I haven’t got bored one time! Yours is my favorite channel on YouTube.

  62. Tipper, I enjoy watching you cook and especially when you are using your cast iron pan. I received a used cast iron pan as an anniversary gift on my 20th anniversary and have been using it ever since. I like to call it my magic pan. I would love a copy of the cookbook and discover more recipes to use my magic pan. God bless and take care.

  63. I wanted to make the long drive to the book signing, but it just didn’t work out. I know everyone enjoyed meeting you and Matt. What a treat! I’m thankful the two of you enjoyed it and had a safe trip.

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