As Thanksgiving rolls around, gratitude fills our hearts for different things. However, one thing we can all agree upon as a definitive subject of our appreciation is food. Here’s an ode to the traditional dishes that leave no space for us at the dinner table — with some twists!
1. Turkey
The most iconic and arguably the most despised star of the Thanksgiving dinner. Roasted until tender and of a golden-brown color, turkey is usually served at Thanksgiving dinners, marking the beginning of the festive season from the very first cut. However, all the hype around the bird often isn’t reflected in its taste. A common opinion is that turkey is dry and tasteless. But rub a blend of softened butter, fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and a little lemon zest over the turkey skin before roasting. This mixture infuses the bird with a vibrant herb flavor and adds hints of citrus, offering the dish a refreshing taste.
2. Stuffing
The dish that can make or break the dinner, stuffing, is made by combining bread, celery, onions, and spices. It balances the savory and sweet tastes of the various other dishes. For the best texture and taste, add sourdough to give the dish a slight tanginess. To balance the sour taste and crunchy feelings, you can also add some crumbled sausage and apple cubes. These offer fresh ingredients, adding depth to the dish. For fans of candied nuts, throw in a couple of candied pecans and this stuffing will have the perfect layers of flavor.
3. Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the same without the creamy, buttery mashed potatoes mixed with heavy cream and paired with a savory, rich gravy. In place of potatoes, use cauliflower to create a healthier, lighter version of the dish while still maintaining the creamy texture. For extra savory and slightly spicy flavor, add roasted garlic and parmesan cheese.
4. Cranberry Sauce
The “dish” that all the non-chefs offer to bring to the table. When it isn’t store-bought, it’s made using cranberries, sugar, and water. To introduce more fall flavors, add some fresh orange juice and zest, a dash of cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves to the cranberry sauce. This addition deepens the flavor, making it tangy, sweet, and aromatic. The cinnamon and cloves add a warm, cozy feel as well, which pairs perfectly with the richness of Thanksgiving foods and gives ode to the sentiment of the season.
5. Pumpkin Pie
Lastly, my favorite dish to eat and make, pumpkin pie, is made with a custardy pumpkin filling flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. To make the already iconic dish even better, add a layer of cheesecake to give the pumpkin pie a rich, creamy twist. And for extra warmth and spice, use crushed ginger snaps instead of a traditional pie crust, which will make the dessert even more delicious and add a unique texture.
