Try some new and exciting eclectic sides for Thanksgiving in 2020! What have you got to lose?!
Is Thanksgiving really just 2+ weeks away? Time to start planning your eclectic 2020 family meal before it is too late! I’ve been called a “closet planner” and I’m afraid it is true. Now is about when I would start to think about the menu. Then I’d literally type it out and gather the recipes. Next, I’d see what can be prepared in advance and tackle those. I’ll assume you have your favorite turkey and stuffing recipes and will not burden you with more. I do insist you consider trying my sides! Here’s a thought – make the Fresh Cranberry Sauce now! The blending of sweet and tart will be such a treat to the taste buds, not to mention the vibrant colors adorning the plate. You will never go back to canned sauce again. Leftover sauce? I’ve got you covered. Enjoy it over pork tenderloin or chicken. Or mix it into plain yogurt for a breakfast treat and toss in some almonds. Use your imagination!
How about that pre-turkey happy hour while watching some football? Here are two fun trays to prepare and enjoy leisurely. Try the Turkey Vegetable Platter and this photo will act as a guide. Use your favorites and include lots of color. Add a Turkey Fruit Platter and call it good. Nobody will be too stuffed to enjoy what will follow. With both platters, I suggest using a variety of colors, textures and flavors to make them beautiful and interesting.
Now let’s move onto some sides that are worthy of attention. I LOVE this Curried Butternut Squash Soup and it is so perfectly seasonal. It is a keeper, trust me. Thanksgiving dinner often has lots of earth tones so I suggest brightening up the plates with something green like Sauteed Baby Squash. Don’t forget that we eat with our eyes first! But back to the earth tones, I really love the flavors in this Chipotle Sweet Potato recipe. It is spicy without being overwhelming.
And last but not least, Nutty Pumpkin Pie! Traditional pumpkin pie doesn’t have enough texture for my likes but this one is special! It has nuts, crystallized ginger and other yummy ingredients. This will become a favorite, guaranteed. Make it several days ahead to allow the flavors to blend nicely.
Even though this has been the most unusual year in my life, we still have so much for which to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, Fellow Foodies!
Barbara
