Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

Sure, the turkey is usually the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving celebration, and the years have found American chefs rummage through their thinking caps trying to come up with the most spectacular turkey that will reign the holidays.  That said, the rest of the Thanksgiving meal cannot go up in smoke.  A perfect meal requires a marvelous centerpiece and equally marvelous culinary creations for side dishes and desserts.  Here are a few ideas that will round up an unforgettable Thanksgiving meal.

Potatoes are a staple in the Thanksgiving table.  For a simple side dish, try mashing up some potatoes, adding a whole egg, a few tablespoons of butter and just enough milk to achieve the consistency you want.  Season it with salt and pepper and throw in a few spices for an extra kick—sage is a good choice, or whatever spice would complement the flavors of your turkey.  If you like a bit of texture, leave some small potato chunks in your mixture.  Cheese will accent the flavors of your potato, and you can either add it into your mash or as a topping.  Sharp cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar work best, but others like mozzarella, gruyere or parmesan work just as well.  Bake your mashed potato in the oven and you have a perfect classic.  Adding breadcrumbs on top of the potatoes before baking adds a nice, thin, crunchy golden brown crust to your dish, too.