Thanksgiving Dinner Favorites
by Chris Petry
Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? Is it the sentiment? Giving thanks? Is it to honor the perseverance of the human spirit? The kind that would see them traversing a vast frozen sea to shores unknown, to establish a new life unencumbered by the societal ills of their native soil? There’s probably a little bit of all that in there somewhere but come Thursday, November 23, we’ll probably all bury any important historical subtext and go back for seconds.
That said, if you’ve never hosted Thanksgiving dinner or you’re looking for something a little different this year, the following recipes might save the day.
Northern California Oyster Stuffing
Stuffing, or dressing if not cooked in conjunction with the bird, is a Thanksgiving must-have. Chances are you’ve been eating slight variations of the same recipe your whole life and there’s nothing wrong with that in theory. This particular recipe, however, really brings the flavor by working fresh oysters into the mix. The best part, even your pickier family members will enjoy. Especially if you don’t tell them about that special ingredient. Just make sure no one has a shellfish allergy first!
Click here.
Cranberry Sauce
Ever meet one of these people who insists they hate cranberry sauce? You’re probably looking at someone who either A) has never eaten cranberry sauce or B) only eaten cranberry sauce from a can. Case A, you probably won’t convince them no matter what. They’ve made up their mind before doing the homework. Case B, however, is just waiting to be converted. So use this recipe for quick, easy, and flavorful cranberry sauce to make believers out of them.
Click here.
Scalloped Potatoes
A couple of days ago I read an article on USA Today about the most searched Thanksgiving side dishes in each state. The state of Ohio’s was scalloped potatoes. Which kind of surprised me, but why should it? Crispy, cheesy, warm… how many holiday side dishes couldn’t co-opt those adjectives? So, here’s a terrific recipe that’s sure to warm a Buckeye heart. Or anyone else’s for that matter!
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Classic Green Bean Casserole
This is one of those side dishes that you think must have originated in antiquity because of its ubiquity but, listen to this: Green Bean Casserole was invented by home chef Dorcas Reilly, while working for the Campbell Soup company in 1955. To be frank, not everything needs a 5-star culinary elevation. Let’s just embrace this one as is.
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Mashed Potatoes
Seems like a no-brainer, huh? Get ready to grit your teeth. Some people make mashed potatoes out of a box? Horrifying, right? Some people boil their potatoes then… gasp… don’t even season them! After you’ve had a chance to recover from the trauma of the truths you read above, check out this recipe for the most stunning, creamy mashed potatoes.
Click here.
Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes
Okay, we’re getting a little adventurous with this one. Much like cranberry sauce, half of your dinner table is going to love sweet potatoes and the other half hasn’t bothered to taste them since they choked down the canned variety in 2nd grade. Ensure both factions enjoy themselves with this stylish twist on a perennial favorite.
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Homemade Mac and Cheese
Here’s another discovery from the previously mentioned USA Today article that floored me. Macaroni and Cheese was the most searched Thanksgiving side dish in the state of Pennsylvania. While more traditionally associated with Southern cuisine (and its origins being decidedly English), Mac and Cheese has been quietly creeping into the Northeastern holiday meal conversation for a while now. If you feel like giving it a go, or creating a safe haven for picky eaters, this recipe is the one to try.
Click here.
Deep-Fried Turkey
The pièce de resistance. The star of the show! Ladies and gentleman: I give you, the humble turkey. The turkey has long been a symbol of national identity. Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin suggested it be recognized as the national bird. Okay, so the eagle won out but he had a point. Few things are more uniquely American. Except a deep-fried turkey. It practically pops and cracks to the sound of the National Anthem in the deep fryer. For something a little different from the traditional oven baked bird, try celebrity chef Alton Brown’s recipe.
Click here.
