A Family Recipe Perfected: Chef Motley’s Sage Turkey Stuffed Shells

Some recipes aren’t just dishes, they’re memories passed down from one generation to the next. For Chef Lafon Motley, one of those recipes is her sage turkey stuffed shells, a dish her father first taught her to make when she was young.

Growing up in a family of six siblings, Lafon’s kitchen was always alive with energy, laughter, and the smell of something delicious simmering on the stove. Among the many meals her dad prepared, the stuffed shells stood out. He would take ground turkey, blend it with fragrant sage, and combine it with rich cheeses to create a dish that quickly became a family favorite. The most important part was the blending of the turkey and spices, massaging it to get every flavor possible into the heart of it. 

Over the years, Lafon has perfected this recipe, adding her own touch while preserving the heart of her father’s original creation. For her, making sage turkey stuffed shells is more than cooking, it’s a way of keeping her family’s story alive. Each time she prepares the dish, she recalls the lessons she learned as a child: to cook with love, to gather with family, and to let food be the centerpiece of togetherness. Making food is more than just feeding people for Lafon, it is therapeutic and transformative. 

This year, Chef Motley is bringing her family recipe to your table. Sage turkey stuffed shells will be featured on our menu through the end of the year, and will hold a special place on our Thanksgiving menus. Rich, savory, and full of tradition, this dish is perfect for sharing with those you love most. 

If you’re looking for holiday catering in Philadelphia, or planning Thanksgiving gatherings on the Main Line or in the Greater Philadelphia Area, Lafon’s sage turkey stuffed shells are the perfect addition to your menu. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or a large corporate celebration, our team is here to bring warmth, flavor, and family tradition to your event.

Keep an eye out for photos of this beautiful dish throughout our blog and social media, we can’t wait for you to taste the story behind it. 

Also, stay tuned. Soon the story of our beloved Chef Motley will be told on The Table, just in time to inspire you to gather around the table with those you love. 

Because for Lafon, food isn’t just food. It’s family. And for your next celebration in Philadelphia, let our family recipes make your table unforgettable.