Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can seem intimidating for beginning cooks, but this simple guide will make this year's side dishes effortless and delicious. By learning the techniques to prepare side dishes, the Thanksgiving tradition can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Sweet Potato and Cranberry Saute (Low Fat)
This fall recipe is perfect for this year's Thanksgiving feast and tastes great when paired with roast turkey. Sweet potatoes are vegetables people of all ages will enjoy. The cranberries add a burst of tang to this well-loved side dish. This low fat recipe is also perfect for those wanting to avoid putting on extra holiday pounds. In order to make larger quantity of this recipe, just double ingredient amounts and use large skillet.
Ingredients for Dish (Makes 4 servings):
- 3/4 cup apple juice or apple cider
- 1 pound sweet potatoes. peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices (about 3 cups)
- 1 cup coarsely chopped cooking apple
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts or walnuts
Cooking Instructions:
- Apple juice is heated in a skillet and then the sweet potato slices are added and spread evenly in juice.
- Skillet is then covered, cooking juice and potato slices over low heat for 12 minutes, or until potato is nearly tender.
- Apple, cranberries, maple syrup, rum, and salt is added.
- Continue to cook, covered, over low heat until apple is tender (3 to 4 minutes).
- Skillet is uncovered and ingredients are boiled for 3 to 4 minutes until liquid is syrupy. Cooked ingredients are placed in a serving dish and sprinkled with nuts.
Green Bean Bake
This favorite recipe will compliment any meal, including a Thanksgiving feast. Easy preparation and cooking instructions will take stress off the inexperienced cook this holiday.
Ingredients for Dish (makes 6 servings):
- One 10.75-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or American cheese (2 ounces)
- One 2-ounce jar sliced pimiento, drained (optional)
- Three 14.5-ounce cans French cut green beans or cut green beans, drained, or 6 cups frozen French-cut or cut green beans, thawed and drained
- One 2.8-ounce can french-fried onions
Cooking Instructions:
- Soup, cheese, and pimiento are combined in a large bowl. Green beans get stirred into mixture.
- Mixture is transferred to 1 and a 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Oven is heated to 350 degrees. Mixture gets baked, covered, for 40 minutes.
- Mixture is stirred once removed from oven and sprinkled with french-fried onions.
- Casserole is baked for 5 additional minutes until heated through.
Reference
Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. Editor: Jan Miller, R.D., Meredith Publishing Group, 2006.
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