Maybe you still make the so-called old-fashioned Thanksgiving side dishes — or maybe you haven't tasted them since you were a child.
In any case, it might be time to give those dishes a second act for the holiday.
Vintage side dishes had the sweet quality of making everyday foods special. Peas? Make them creamy. Carrots, make them candied. Green beans? Put them in a creamy casserole. Spinach? Creamy with cheese. And, suddenly, an ordinary food becomes special.
A candy glaze for carrots
To put a fancy candy glaze on carrots is super easy. Simply melt 1/4 cup brown sugar and a 1/4 cup butter in a pan, stirring until you create a smooth brown sauce. Spread the glaze over cooked carrots and toss.
A creamy base for peas
You can easily make creamed peas with a simple white sauce.
Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium high heat in a medium sized saucepan.
Next, whisk 3 tablespoons all purpose flour into the butter until incorporated and smooth.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and cook, stirring frequently, over medium high heat until the mixture has thickened, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add 4 cups frozen peas and cook, stirring frequently, until the peas are heated through, about 4 minutes.
Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and check for seasonings.
Garnish with chopped chives or dill.
Mashed turnips
For centuries turnips have been known as the food of the poor, but they do have some rich qualities. First among them: They are low fat, low carb and low calorie. One medium turnip has 34 calories, 8 grams carbohydrates, and .1 gram total fat.
To make mashed turnips, peel them and cut them into small cubes, boil until tender, and mash. You can boil a potato with the turnips, to add to the mash. Try adding 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the mash with butter, and seasoning.
