There not just side dishes anymore

Thanksgiving Sides with Flavor

We all look forward to eating dinner with friends and family on Thanksgiving Day. The center of the table is saved for the turkey, but it is not the piece de resistance. The supporting players on the table are what we all want to savor. Here are some ideas for making your turkey day sides irresistible.

What about the spices? Spices get our blood boiling, sometimes literally. It is said by nutritionists that eating spicy foods increases our metabolism. We need that on Thanksgiving Day when we tend to eat everything in sight.

One zesty spice is crushed red pepper. You can create your own by stripping the seeds out of hot peppers. It is the seeds that create the mouth meltdown anyway. These yummy seeds go well in or atop sausage stuffing.

Cinnamon and nutmeg are also great for adding flavor. We usually see them as a part of desserts, but they can also sweeten our side dishes. Add both to a bowl of candied yams or carrots for a different treat this year.

Herbs, especially fresh herbs, taste great on vegetables. Blend a few in with the mashed potatoes. Combine your potatoes with garlic and melted butter for a heavenly taste. Thyme or dill added to a cream sauce provides tasty coverage for fresh green beans or asparagus spears.

Instead of using plain water to cook rice dishes, add some bouillon cubes and fresh herbs to the water. While the rice cooks, the herbs infuse flavor through each piece. This also works great when steaming vegetables and boiling potatoes.

We add sage to the turkey for dressing it, but it can also be added to the stuffing. A hint of sage and cracked black pepper in cornbread stuffing complements the turkey and the gravy. All of the spices that you use on the turkey will end up in the essence in the bottom of the roasting pan. Add this concentrated bit of flavor to the gravy to liven up the taste.

What are you planning to complement the turkey on Thanksgiving Day? Whatever side dishes and salads you choose to serve, be sure that they are as good as they can be. Instead of the same old tastes, add a new sensation with a sprinkle of spice. It’ll wake up the taste buds and your guests.

What you don’t want to do when it comes to adding flavor to your side dishes is overdo it. Too much overshadows the natural taste of the food that everyone loves. Remember, herbs and spices are meant to enhance food without taking away from its original flavor.