Thanksgiving - Traditional with a twist

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Nov 13th 2008 @ 9:00AM

No matter how far I dive into the foodie world, I have one stead-fast rule: You don't mess with Thanksgiving.

Now I don't mean to suggest that you can't do a little experimenting and change up the flavors here and there. It's a waste to not adapt your classic Thanksgiving recipes -- the whole process of cooking is learning the basics and then adapting them to suit your own taste-buds. But we're talking about a classic meal here -- one that is meant to not only evoke stuffed groans of pleasure, but also tap into your memories of the past -- the heaping piles of meat, the creamy mashed potatoes, and the family gathered around the table. Rather than ditching the classics for a whole new approach, perfect the traditional recipes at your disposal.

What follows are recipes for a classic Thanksgiving dinner -- taking the dearly loved basics of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and cranberry sauce, and making them pop without removing the beloved tastes and experiences. This Traditional with a Twist meal includes recipes for brining and giving the bird a good under-the-skin rub, a sausage stuffing, roasting, homemade cranberry sauce amped up with some port, and finally, mashed potatoes flavored with some caramelized shallots.

Bon Appetit!