Many years ago, my husband Ted and I participated in a potluck Thanksgiving dinner. Being from out of town, we were asked to bring something easy, carrots and celery for a dip. However, when we arrived, we realized that our celery was the only bit of green on the entire holiday table. Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, gravy, onions: all brown. No green vegetables, and no salad. Our own holiday menus feature plenty of green along with the traditional bird and sides. We always serve salad, and at least one green vegetable. Here are some of our favorites, to consider as you're putting the finishing touches on your own menu. Two of our favorite green vegetables together, Brussels and broccoli with maple mustard vinaigrette (top photo) brings... Read more →
For as long as I can remember, I've been a muffin fan. I love that you don't have to share a muffin. I love that you can eat all of the bottom first, and save the top (the best part) for last. I love the built-in portion control. On the holiday table, mini muffins provide just a few bites of sweetness. And nobody has to share. My family loves these apple raisin walnut spice muffins (top photo), which can be made ahead, though you'll have to hide them to make sure they last until the holiday meal. Almost anything with apple has a place on my Thanksgiving table. I serve these instead of bread, as part of the main course, but you could save them... Read more →
Can you imagine Thanksgiving without butternut squash on the table? Perhaps because it's creamy, and perhaps because it's orange, butternut squash always finds its way onto my holiday menu, whether as a vegetarian main dish, a side dish, in soup or salad, or in pie. As you put the finishing touches on your own holiday menu, consider some of these favorites from The Perfect Pantry's kitchen. Start your meal with soup, as we love to do. Curried squash and apple soup (top photo) can be made ahead, which is a plus for the cook, and brings apples to the table right at the start. An alternative, if your family doesn't love curry, could be this squash, sweet potato and carrot soup. Another great soup option,... Read more →
In a world gone ever so slightly mad recently, we wish you all the happys of the season: happy turkey, happy stuffing, happy over-the-top side dishes, happy leftovers, happy football watching, happy football playing, happy playing in fallen leaves, happy building new memories, happy quiet moments for reading, happy sharing with neighbors. Happy Thanksgiving, from our new home in the city to your home. Read more →
Imagine, instead of a pie on the holiday table, a gigantic bowl of pies. Hand pies, individually sized, just a few bites of goodness and all the same so nobody fights for the largest slices. There would be no extra dishes to wash. And you could make them ahead, even way ahead, and reheat them in the microwave which is fast and easy and really the best way. Imagine that! Apple spice hand pies can be your reality for the holidays; all you need are some discos in the freezer, ready to defrost, and the filling you'd make for a regular apple pie. Readers of this blog know I'm a huge fan of discos, but if you can't get them, don't despair. Discos are small,... Read more →
Do you remember Norman Rockwell's painting "Freedom from Want"? Also called The Thanksgiving Picture, it depicts mom (or grandma) carrying a large turkey on a platter to the holiday table, around which the entire smiling family waits eagerly for the turkey carving to begin. That was 1942, but today, no holiday host gets off as easily as that. Where are the vegetarian alternative, the vegan and gluten-free side dishes, the tofurkey? Where's the stuffing made without cornbread? Where are the mashed potatoes made without milk for the dairy-free guests? Good grief, Thanksgiving is challenging! We're here to help, with ten of our favorite meatless, gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes listed in somewhat alphabetical order. Some are vegan, some are not, but all can be adapted for... Read more →
You never know who's coming to Thanksgiving dinner, and what food allergies or aversions they might bring along. Vegans, gluten-free, dairy-free -- I've hosted them all, and often at the same meal. The holiday table can be a minefield for the cook! It's great to have a few please-all side dishes on the menu. This cabbage with warm dressing takes minutes to prepare (the cabbage can be shredded ahead of time), and it's free of gluten, dairy, meat, nuts -- free of everything except flavor. Cabbage is undervalued on the holiday table; it's economical, easy to prepare, and adapts well to sweet or savory seasonings. (I just used some cole slaw mix in a Chinese stir-fry last night.) This simple side dish can be prepped... Read more →