On the Side

by Mark R. Vogel

When individuals contemplate what to make for their Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, there's usually more indecision regarding the side dishes.

After all, the Thanksgiving turkey is perfunctory and Christmas will inevitably be yet another turkey or a roast of some kind. But there is a staggering array of potential side dishes.

Here are a few ideas.

VEGETABLE BUNDLES

An alternative to this recipe, which eliminates one step, is to forgo making bundles out of the vegetables. After slicing them, either simmer them in the chicken broth and butter, or saute 1/2 them in butter and/or olive oil with no broth.

GLAZED CARROTS/PARSNIPS

ROASTED CHESTNUTS

They're not done on an open fire but nevertheless are a seasonal classic. Serve them as a hors d'oeuvre or as an after dinner snack.

Simply take a bunch of chestnuts and make an X in their flat side with a paring knife. Make sure you cut all the way through their outer shell.

Place them on a baking sheet in a 450 preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. As soon as they're cool enough to handle, peel and eat.

Recipes

Vegetable Bundles

20 min.

This is an elegant looking, although time consuming dish. You'll need an equal amount, (by weight), of the three vegetables, after trimming. Figure on four to six ounces per person.

submitted by happyzhangbo

Glazed Carrots/Parsnips

10 min.

Easy to pack and perfect as crudités for that favorite dip, the crunchy texture and sweet taste of carrots is popular among both adults and children. Although they are shipped around the country from California throughout the year, locally grown carrots are in season in the summer and fall when they are the freshest and most flavorful.

submitted by happyzhangbo

Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes

30 min.

A rich, delicious stove-top side dish with a silky texture. This pairs especially well with the Porcini-Rubbed Turkey with Shiitake-Madeira Gravy — or grilled steaks on any other day in November. You can make the potatoes eight hours ahead and reheat them just before serving.

submitted by happyzhangbo

Cauliflower Tempura

20 min.

I was never crazy about cauliflower until I tried this recipe. It's easy to make and is unusually tasty, given that it's cauliflower.

submitted by happyzhangbo

Vegetable Bundles

20 min.

This is an elegant looking, although time consuming dish. You'll need an equal amount, (by weight), of the three vegetables, after trimming. Figure on four to six ounces per person.

submitted by happyzhangbo

Return to: Peel Out by Mark R. Vogel

Recipe Bite

Sweet Tarts!

by Mark R. Vogel

OK Folks. It's time to get decadent. If you've got a sweet tooth, this one's for you. A tart is a ...

Member Review

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Highly recommended for first timers! (sorry, just had to comment). Although this presented a great laugh, I have also used red or chopped green onions for some bite. Add a slice of ham and you have a grilled ham AND cheese!

Reviewed by happyhousewomen