Thanksgiving Sides

[debodun]

Are there certain side dishes to a Thanksgiving meal that are "essential" to you? In other words "it wouldn't seem like Thanksgiving unless I had this".

My list: scalloped corn and winter squash

 

[Pepper]

Stuffing

 

[Aunt Marg]

Stuffing, gravy, and Brussels sprouts.

Another absolute side of mine... cranberry jelly, not the berry version, not real berries, just plain old canned cranberry smooth jelly.

No jelly, no turkey.

 

[RadishRose]

Stuffing, gravy, creamed onions, mashed rutabaga, stuffed celery and black olives.

 

[Devi]

Creamed onions sounds great!

 

[Aunt Marg]

Does anyone do jellied salads?

 

[bowmore]

Dressing without a doubt. In pre Covid times we used a 10 gallon tub to mix it. We would freeze some for later. Also @Kayelle 's
broccoli salad and cranberry sauce.
As an aside,
a few years ago we visited Cape Cod and toured the cranberry bogs. We never saw the two guys from Ocean Spray, however

 

[Aunt Marg]

Dressing without a doubt. In pre Covid times we used a 10 gallon tub to mix it. We would freeze some for later. Also @Kayelle 's
broccoli salad and cranberry sauce.
As an aside,
a few years ago we visited Cape Cod and toured the cranberry bogs. We never saw the two guys from Ocean Spray, however

That's because they were too bogged down.

 

[Camper6]

Appetizer. Tostitos rounds scoops. Individual. Slice of Brie cheese. Topped with cranberry sauce. Pickled pearl onions on the side.

 

[Camper6]

I thought a southern dish was sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows baked.

 

[debodun]

Another absolute side of mine... cranberry jelly, not the berry version, not real berries, just plain old canned cranberry smooth jelly.

No jelly, no turkey.

I used to love Ocean Spray cranberry orange relish - then they discontinued it years ago. Now I make my own - 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup orange juice. Place together in a saucepan and cook until juice is absorbed and let cool to room temp.

 

[Aunt Marg]

I used to love Ocean Spray cranberry orange relish - then they discontinued it years ago. Now I make my own - 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup orange juice. Place together in a saucepan and cook until juice is absorbed and let cool to room temp.

OMG, does that ever sound delish!

Thank you for sharing your recipe with me, Deb!

 

[debodun]

My mom tried to replicate it using whole oranges, frozen fresh cranberries and sugar. She'd mince them together in an old-fashioned meat grinder. What a mess!

 

[debodun]

I've heard tell that if we had what the they had at the original Thanksgiving feast, we wouldn't recognize it. There is mention on it in the first paragraph under "Historical menus" here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_dinner

 

[Aunt Marg]

My mom tried to replicate it using whole oranges, frozen fresh cranberries and sugar. She'd mince them together in an old-fashioned meat grinder. What a mess!

I wonder how well it would turn out if one just simmered all down in a saucepan slowly?

 

[debodun]

I am not ambitious enough to try. I like my lazy way.

 

[Aunt Marg]

I've heard tell that if we had what the they had at the original Thanksgiving feast, we wouldn't recognize it. There is mention on it in the first paragraph under "Historical menus" here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_dinner

Sounds lovely.

 

[Autumn]

My mom was undoubtedly the worst cook on the continent, so growing up Thanksgiving dinner consisted of overcooked, dry turkey, instant mashed potato, peas and carrots (canned), some sort of slimy stuffing, gravy (canned) and some sort of canned squash that I think was meant for pies. After living through that, I'm willing to accept ANY well-cooked, tasty side dish, no matter what it is...

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

Creamed onions. I'd give up the turkey for them.

 

[debodun]

I always feel awkward about bringing food when I am invited as a guest to a meal. If I don't, the host might think I was greedy and only came to gobble up his food and not reciprocate. If I being food, it's like saying "You food isn't good or ample enough for me, so I brought some." What to do?

 

[Pepper]

Bring wine.

 

[Aunt Marg]

I always feel awkward about bringing food when I am invited as a guest to a meal. If I don't, the host might think I was greedy and only came to gobble up his food and not reciprocate. If I being food, it's like saying "You food isn't good or ample enough for me, so I brought some." What to do?

Honestly, I believe most people hosting a dinner party or get-together would be honoured to have a guest or guests arrive with a little something.

I for one am one of those hosts. By no means would I, or do I expect it, but I always find it to be a nice gesture.

 

[debodun]

Bring wine.

Appreciate your suggestion, but my family aren't alcohol consumers.

 

[Aunt Marg]

Appreciate your suggestion, but my family aren't alcohol consumers.

Then I would carry on just as you have been, Deb.

Believe me, it's appreciated more than you will ever know.

 

[sadie123]

I think wine is great or you can bring crackers and cheese or vegetables and dip, appetizers that won’t affect the menu.