Wild Turkey Close-up - © tpwd.state.tx

Happy U.S. Thanksgiving!

I’m sitting here, trying to write some serious material but half my attention is on the TV across the room where I’m watching preparations for the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan. Nevertheless, I do have some menu suggestions for all my American friends!

Roast Turkey Platter - © Author UnknownThe Classic Thanksgiving Roast Turkey. May yours be a Picture Perfect!

Good Old Charlie Brown will be featured in the Parade’s cavalcade of huge inflatables today. The Muppets will lead off, for the first time ever. As far as I’m concerned, It’s shaping up to be one of the best ever!

And, in that spirit, I’d like to offer some of my favourite Turkey-holiday Feast side dish suggestions:

Casserole Stuffing: You never get enough just from the cavity in the bird. Male lots and bake it in a shallow casserole dish alongside Tom Turkey.

Steamed Broccoli: In a Chinese bamboo (or similar) steamer, place small Broccoli Florets in a single layer on a piece of parchment paper. Leave room around the paper for the steam to rise. Sprinkle the Broc with some Salt and Pepper and then add a pinch of Ground Cumin and Coriander. Steam until the Broccoli is as tender or crisp as you like it. Drizzle with Melted Butter to serve.

Home Made Cranberry Sauce. The ideal Thanksgiving condiment! Cranberries are native to North America and they are harvested just at the right time of year to enjoy them over the holidays.

Cranberry Relish: Another great fresh Cranberry condiment, featuring Oranges, Spices and a little Booze.

Mom’s Mashed Potatoes: This really is my Mom’s old-school recipe for our family-fave Mashed Potatoes. Simplicity in itself… And absolutely heartwarming!

Scalloped Potatoes: At our house we always have my Super Scalloped Potatoes with every Ham or Lamb Holiday Feast. If you’re bored with Mashed, try these this Thanksgiving!

Stuffed Squash: This recipe employs a Fresh Fruit Stuffing rather than the usual Savoury Rice or Bread Crumb mixtures. You’ll love it! And you can experiment to your heart’s content to make the dish your own…

Perfect Pumpkin Pie: My Pumpkin Pie gets requests from everybody over the holidays. I end up making three or four, so folks can take home a slide or two after the Feast is over.

Some of the ingredients sound familiar?

I’ll bet you were planning on using some of the key ingredients in the above recipes for your Thanksgiving Feast, anyway. Why not try giving them a little extra oompf this year with my Festive Side Dish suggestions?

~ Maggie J.