"side dishes" news and stories

Brussels sprouts are the little cabbages people either fall all over in the fall, or despise. We're in the former camp, and KitchenDaily contributor Alexis Touchet's Brussels sprouts recipe combines crisp, salty bacon with the smooth flavor of the sprouts. We do believe the sprouts have made a genuine love match. And if you hate Brussels sprouts, well, there's more for us.

See a whole collection of Brussels sprouts recipes at KitchenDaily.

Next Thursday, I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner by myself for the second time in my life (the first time I flew solo was five years ago, right when I was coming down with the flu). I'm still tweaking the menu, mentally debating whether I want to make standard mashed potatoes or find some oven space for the roasted variety.

For the rest of you who are still contemplating whether you want to serve string beans or green peas, here are a few more side dish suggestions for you to contemplate. These all come from the Slashfood archives, which is a terrific resource when you're looking for mealtime inspiration.

From top to bottom, here what you see in the image above: Vanilla-Flecked Sweet Potato Puree, Sauteed Leeks and Brussels Sprouts, Potato and Pumpkin Bake, Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts (these are actually hard - but delicious - on Thanksgiving unless you have multiple ovens) and Ginger Squash Puree.

Many of vegetables, that they are at their very best when they're fresh, new, young and crisp. But oftentimes, we can't get to our veggies before they've lost some of the glowing exuberance that comes from being just off the vine or plant. And so we look for ways to make those bunches of broccoli and heads of cabbage delicious, despite their imperfections.

In the last few days, bloggers all across the internet have been posting recipes for ways to take these fall and winter veggies and make them heart-stoppingly delicious.

The Amateur Gourmet tries out Ina Garten's recipe for roasted broccoli and announces that it's the Best Broccoli of his life. Over at Grub Street, they're featuring the Broccoli and Cheetos dish that Chef Craig Koketsu makes at his New York restaurant, Park Avenue Autumn. Molly of Orangette is making a gratin out of Savoy cabbage and Ree the Pioneer Woman is using her trusty cast iron skillet to prepare a turnip gratin that would be perfect for Thanksgiving. I can't remember the last time vegetables have been quite so tasty!

Right about now, everyone is in the final throes of their Thanksgiving prep. Maybe you've got a pie to bake tonight or you have to hit the grocery store one last time on the way home from work, but basically, you're there. You don't need our help with recipes for tasty side dishes or tips on how wedge all your leftovers into the fridge anymore.

So here's my question for all of you. What's that one food item without which your Thanksgiving is not complete? Your staple food that has to be on the table or the meal just can't go forward. It doesn't have to be traditional or even cohesive with the meal, but somehow brings everything together for you. Me, it doesn't feel like Thanksgiving until I've had a little nibble of crispy turkey skin and a glass of sparkling apple cider. Over at the Epi Log, Esther Sung writes about how there needs to be a dish of kimchi on the table for Thanksgiving to feel rounded and satisfying for her.

Share your favorites, your quirky side dishes and things that make your holiday feel special.

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If you are totally flummoxed as to what side dishes to serve at your Thanksgiving meal this year, why not let the stars decide?

The folks over at AOL Horoscopes, with the help of astrologer Sabra Ricci, have put together a collection of side dishes and star sign pairings. For the Leos in your life, why not try Curried Creamed Onions or Spinach Salad with Oranges and Walnuts. Scorpios are partial to Pecan Stuffing and Fig-Walnut Salad and it's Garlic Mashed Potatoes for your Aquarius friends and family.

Whether or not the predictions are right on or they totally miss the mark, many of the recipes sound tasty and worthy of a place on your table. Check out the full article to see what they recommend for you (as a Taurus, the suggested Candied Yams have me drooling and ready for Thanksgiving to arrive now)!

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