Illinois Thanksgiving Isn’t Complete Without One Important Thing

Let's be honest: Thanksgiving dinner isn't complete without a few things.

The people we love.

The food on the table.

The one family member who loves politics.

And most importantly?  The dessert.

Read More: Illinois' Least Favorite Side Dish For Thanksgiving 

In Illinois, dessert is the "unspoken star" of Thanksgiving.  I've never heard of someone around here not eat dessert at the end of their dinner.  Healthy or full of diabetes, there's always some kind of dessert to send you into a proper food coma.

In my family, you'll hear us moaning and groaning because we're so full, but that doesn't mean we don't have room left for cheesecake, ice cream, or Jell-o my dad was really excited to spend hours making.  If Thanksgiving was only dessert, I wouldn't complain at all.

Here's what a "proper" spread should look like if it's all focused on dessert:

• Pumpkin pie
• Pecan Pie
• Apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream & whipped cream
• Raspberry Cheesecake
• Brownies
• Sugar cookies
• Chocolate Cream Pie

Now, here's what you should maybe leave off the list:

• Jello-O Salad
• Fruitcake
• Store-bought pudding
• Anything labeled "low-calorie"
• Key Lime Pie
• Sweet Potato Pie

Read More: Illinois' Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert Has Never Changed 

According to the entire country, Jell-O is the worst dessert, ever.  No matter how good you THINK you make it, don't make it at all.  PLEASE.

At the end of the day, dessert isn't about being fancy.  It's all about the comfort, sugar, and going back for seconds even if our bellies say no.  If you don't end up napping after your third slice of pie, are you celebrating Thanksgiving properly?