The word Thanksgiving can render many visions for different people. For some, it may mean a morning of watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. For others, the word may elicit flashbacks of their elementary school days...you were the third paper-hat-wearing pilgrim from the left, correct? As for me, it's always been about the food. I think the Friends episode based on Thanksgiving sums it up best.
(enter Joey) Pheobe: Joey! Those are my maternity pants! Joey: No! No! These are my Thanksgiving pants!
The Thanksgiving meal requires equal parts strategy and stamina. The seasoned eater skips the ever popular Ambrosia salad for the more bang-for-your-buck items like green bean casserole or "can"died yams. Our family dinners have delivered the same standards year after glorious year. So much so, I can meticulously plan out my meal weeks, if not days, in advance. I know exactly what I should skip in the passing procession because each zone has been just short of labeled on my plate. But where is the adventure? Where is the je ne se quois?How can we make just enough changes to make Thanksgiving different, but still familiar? Don't get me wrong! I would NEVER pass on the sacred turkey and stuffing (or dressing depending on which side of the Mason-Dixon you're on). I'm just suggesting that if you are the type to try the BLT (learninghowtocook.com's daily newsletter) recipes, why serve the same old stand-bys for one of the most important meals of the year? These side dishes may just give your dinner what has been missing from your prior bacchanalian-style feasts. They are easy enough to be just that something extra, but delicious enough to become heirloom family traditions.
Try these roasted root vegetables for a healthy and unbelievably quick side dish. The sweetness of the vegetables really shines when they are roasted. Which, by the way, makes them a perfect compliment to any white wine you might pair with Thanksgiving dinner!
This caramelized endive recipe will knock your socks off! The bitterness of the endive and the earthy quality of the hazelnuts make for a perfect pairing to turkey.
Potatoes Boulanger are the quintessential Thanksgiving side dish. They can bake right next to your turkey so that you'll be free to greet and visit with your guests. The best part is, they are eye-crossingly good. Believe it when we say, "These are not your mother's potatoes"!
You can find these recipes and more on our Thanksgiving page by clicking here.
