April Boller isn’t your average cook. In a world where many flock to social media to test elaborate recipes, she keeps things simple and Southern. Over the past few years, she has gone from an unemployed, busy mom to a food influencer, drawing users to her website, Whisk It Real Gud, where they look for inspiration to become their own version of a “supermom.”

“I started my blog back in 2000. I got laid off after having my last kid, around 2016, and it’s just grown ever since. On my blog, I share easy recipes—a lot of traditional ones,” she says. “I love Asian food, so a lot of my recipes have Asian influences. But my blog is all about everyday meals that you can make for your family. I like easy, stress-free recipes.”

Despite having a fanbase of nearly 300,000, Boller doesn’t have a degree in culinary arts. “I’m not formally trained. I’ve never worked in a restaurant. I’m a self-taught, home-trained chef; I’ve been cooking since I was a kid,” she reflects. “My grandmother, who’s from Mobile, Alabama, moved up north when she was young. I got a lot of inspiration from watching and helping her in the kitchen as a kid. So much of my inspiration, especially for Southern cooking, comes from her.”

With Thanksgiving approaching, Boller says that sticking to the basics is key to a great feast—but preparation is equally important. “Every year, my grandmother would prep and plan everything weeks in advance. She’d start with a deep clean, top to bottom. I follow the same model today. I’ll enlist the help of my family—my kids, stepkids, and husband—to organize the pantry, clean the ovens, wipe down the kitchen, and clear out anything we no longer use. I don’t start cooking until all that’s done.”

Thanksgiving dinner in her family is a collaborative effort. She could make the entire meal herself, but luckily, she doesn’t have to. “I don’t make everything for Thanksgiving. My brother and sister are great cooks too, so we all pitch in,” she says. “I make most of the sides. I love making collard greens—that’s one of the popular dishes on my blog. I also make yams, sweet potato pie, and sweet cornbread. My brother is in charge of string beans, the ham, and the turkey. He insists on making the turkey.”

While the turkey isn’t her responsibility, she has a few tips to ensure it’s flavorful and juicy. “When I make turkey, I like to use a meat injector. I mix salt and chicken broth and inject that into the turkey. I think it’s the best way to infuse flavor.”

Outside of the big meal and the football game, most people look forward to what comes after Thanksgiving: Christmas decorations, Black Friday shopping, and leftovers. But in Boller’s home, leftovers are rare. “We almost never have leftovers because my family loves to eat! If you do have some, I suggest storing them in a container with a tight-fitting lid,” she says. “And I like to reheat my food on the stovetop rather than the microwave—it tastes better and preserves the flavor.”

For Boller, the best part of the holiday is keeping traditions alive. Her family has a special ritual that she hopes others will adopt in their own way. “Every year, I set up a Thanksgiving jar. I have my kids write down what they’re most thankful for and place it in the jar,” she shares. “My husband and I do the same. On Thanksgiving Day, we gather around our little Thanksgiving Thankful Jar and read them aloud. It really sets the tone for the day.”

To try her famous Southern collard green recipe this Thanksgiving, check it out here. You can also follow Boller on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest.