Anna Leigh Waters Delivers a Feast: Anna Leigh Waters, a rising star in professional pickleball, has achieved numerous milestones on the court. However, her most cherished accomplishment may not come from sports—it comes from her role as the family’s head chef during Thanksgiving. The 17-year-old has mastered the art of preparing a Thanksgiving feast that could rival any professional kitchen.
View this post on Instagram
The Family Feast
Every year, Waters takes full responsibility for preparing the Thanksgiving meal, a tradition that’s not only a culinary challenge but also a labor of love.
Main Course
“I’m the only cook in the house, so I make everything for Thanksgiving dinner. We usually buy a turkey or ham. That’s even more work if I need to do the side dishes. But most of the time, it’s a honey-baked ham with all the sides.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
Side Dishes
The sides, according to Waters, are nothing short of spectacular.
“I make baked mac and cheese every year. I have some really good mashed potatoes and some kind of vegetable bread. This year, I really want to make my own bread, like milk rolls. I’ve been seeing so many people making it online that I want to try them, too. This year, I’m going all out.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
Desserts
Waters doesn’t stop with just the main course and sides; she ensures there’s at least one homemade dessert.
“I also make at least one dessert. Last year, I made an apple pie cake with allspice cake, apple pie filling, and cream cheese frosting. I’ll be busy for a couple of days with all the prep.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
The Legacy of Family Cooking
Anna Leigh credits her cooking skills to her paternal grandmother, a Southern cook from North Carolina.
Grandmother’s Influence
“I learned to cook from my Nana in North Carolina where I used to live. We used to have tea parties, and she would teach me how to cook. Southern cooking was her big thing. I love her chicken and dumplings, and my dad loves her chicken casserole. My grandma used to make everything from scratch.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
A Humorous Moment
Waters also shared a humorous childhood memory that highlights her innocent misconception about cooking.
“When I was little, I actually thought “scratch” was an ingredient. The day I found out that it wasn’t an ingredient, I cried all day. I was so upset they kept that from me.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
A Passion for Cooking
Outside of Thanksgiving, Waters enjoys cooking and baking as part of her downtime hobbies.
Favorite Dishes
“I’m really good at pancakes. They’re super fluffy, thick pancakes. I also make really healthy things when I’m home. I’ll do some kind of protein like chicken, ground beef, or steak, and then I’ll make a carb like rice or potatoes. Around the holidays or for somebody’s birthday, though, that’s when I’ll do something big.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
View this post on Instagram
The Holiday Joy
Thanksgiving is a time when Waters truly shines in the kitchen, preparing a feast that brings the family together.
“It’s the biggest cooking holiday of the year, and I always look forward to it.” – (Anna Leigh Waters)
It’s clear that for Anna Leigh Waters, the kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s a space where she connects with family, honors tradition, and brings joy through the art of cooking.
News in Brief: Anna Leigh Waters Delivers a Feast
Anna Leigh Waters, the 17-year-old pickleball prodigy, is not only known for her athletic skills but also for her impressive Thanksgiving meals. As the only cook in her household, Waters prepares a full spread of dishes, including honey-baked ham, homemade sides, and desserts like apple pie cake.
Her cooking skills were honed through lessons from her grandmother, a Southern cook from North Carolina, and she continues to enjoy cooking as a favorite pastime.
ALSO READ: Anna Leigh Waters’ Historic MLP Season – The MVP Case for Greatness
