Regardless of whether you favor a juicy drumstick, a crispy wing or gravy-topped breast pieces, who doesn’t love right-out-of-the oven roasted turkey on Thanksgiving dinner? It’s just not Thanksgiving without the turkey. But, for me, a Thanksgiving dinner would be less than memorable without all those delectable, mouth-watering side dishes. Truth be told, the turkey meat tastes even better when it slides over into the mashed potatoes or soaks up the flavor of the candied yams. Yes, the Thanksgiving season provides an ideal opportunity to showcase great side dishes that can enhance a meal any time of year. In fact, cook and serve one of your family’s favorite Thanksgiving side dishes at a non-holiday time and you’ll see how much delight the surprise offering will bring.
As you plan your Thanksgiving side dishes, think variety – of taste, texture and color – to create a meal that is broadly appealing. If you know the culinary preferences of your guests, try to include something for everyone. All green vegetables, no carbs or too many spicy dishes just won’t do for a multi-generational crowd. Neither will low-fat, vegetarian fare suffice unless that’s what everyone is expecting. And, when your Thanksgiving gathering is a collective experience (as it often is), ask guests to bring their favorite dish and, when you learn what others are bringing, round out the holiday meal with complementary dishes if necessary. Even when I am only “hosting” the holiday collective meal in my home, I still provide a couple standard side dishes of my own. Based on experience, it’s not unusual for a holiday dinner guest to have a day-of “hiccup” of some kind – from leaving the casserole on the kitchen counter to having a perfectly prepared pie topple over in the trunk.
I asked a few friends to name their No. 1 Thanksgiving side dish and, not surprisingly, classics topped the list – stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams and green beans. But to add a little seasonal spice to this holiday, I’m offering you a few recipes that are twists on traditional dishes. Consider starting a new Thanksgiving tradition with one of these. And, be grateful for the rich variety and diversity of life … and food. I certainly am.
Jacqui Love Marshall lives in Danville with her vintage-car-loving husband, two pugs and binders of recipes. E-mail her at Epicure@DanvilleWeekly.com.
Thanksgiving side dish recipes
No-Carb Cauliflower with Garlic & Rosemary (serves 4)
Roasted Asparagus (serves 4)
Sausage Fennel Stuffing (enough to stuff a 10-12 lb. turkey with extra to bake as a side)
Roasted Yams with Citrus/Coriander Butter (serves 5)
