Cook the Book: 'Simple Fresh Southern'
Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, left Matt and Ted Lee with a passion for Southern food that refused to be tamed. They have been spreading the gospel of Southern cooking since 1994, the year they started The Lee Bros. Boiled Peanuts Catalogue, a mail order source for foods that are hard to find above the Mason-Dixon Line.
With the success of the catalog came offers from magazines for the brothers to write about the subject that was so near and dear to them, Matt and Ted Lee quickly became the go-to guys for all things related to Southern foodways. The next logical step was a cookbook, and The Lee Bros. Southern Cookbook was born. This comprehensive book of classic Southern recipes interwoven with warm personal tales of the Lee brothers' childhood won the 2007 James Beard Cookbook of the Year award and became a cookbook shelf staple for anyone interested in Southern food.
Matt and Ted Lee are back with a new book of modern takes on Southern ingredients, Simple Fresh Southern. The dishes are simple to prepare, and a little lighter—maybe even a bit healthier—than before, but they certainly don't skimp on bold, fresh Southern flavors. There are plenty of butter beans, buttermilk, collards, shrimp, and oysters to make any Charleston grandma proud.
This week we are going to put a uniquely Southern spin on your Thanksgiving meal with recipes from Simple Fresh Southern. We'll start out with a stuffing inspired cocktail, the Celery Julep, move on to some quick Pickled Grapes with Rosemary and Chiles that are prefect for cocktail hour, and round out the week with some holiday ready sides, Squash Half Moons with Butter, Sesame, and Salt, and Braised Carrots with Tarragon and Lime.
Win 'Simple Fresh Southern'
Thanks to the generosity of the folks over at Clarkson Potter, we are giving away five (5) copies of Simple Fresh Southern this week. All you have to do is tell us about your favorite Thanksgiving side in the comments section below.
Five (5) people will be chosen at random among the eligible comments below. We're sorry, but entry is only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Comments will close Monday, November 23 at noon ET. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
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359 Comments:
Mine would be a corn succotash. Gotta have corn for Thanksgiving!
gargupie at 1:02PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing. Any kind. Ooooh, and Potatoes too.
Maybe I should just say Carbohydrate. Any kind.
Silvia at 1:04PM on 11/16/09
LOVE STUFFING AND ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
Loukia at 1:09PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread stuffing, studded with apples and dried cranberries.
juliebugsmama at 1:09PM on 11/16/09
My mother's wild rice stuffing.
arwenb at 1:11PM on 11/16/09
It's non-traditional, but we always make ham gravy for Thanksgiving. Delicious.
Mandyhello at 1:12PM on 11/16/09
Homemade mashed potatoes topped with cheese sauce!
Krystal at 1:13PM on 11/16/09
Does pie count as a side? No? Then my aunt's turkey gravy.
Peasantwench at 1:15PM on 11/16/09
Cranberry sauce - a little bit on each forkful just makes everything else taste that much better (also, gravy on everything as well). mmmmm
joyyy at 1:16PM on 11/16/09
My mom isn't a great cook, but she makes a great sage-y, bacon-y stuffing and also does an awesome job on the gravy. Can't. Wait.
lo82070 at 1:16PM on 11/16/09
Deviled Eggs (made by my cousin).. or Mashed Potatoes (made by me!)
graciecat at 1:16PM on 11/16/09
My favorite Thanksgiving side would have to be my mom's sausage & chestnut stuffing. It's very moist and really rich!
savoriesnsweets at 1:16PM on 11/16/09
Tie between my Nana's stuffing (obvious classic) and my mother's sweet potato casserole. Less than two weeks away!
sch89 at 1:18PM on 11/16/09
Broccoli gratin with a mustard streusel!! We make a double batch that overflows out of a 10 by 15 Pyrex dish and there are NEVER any leftovers.
Because everyone likes broccoli -- as long as it has cheese AND cream.
Mizbee at 1:18PM on 11/16/09
Dressing- cornbread, biscuits, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, celery, onions, drippings, salt and pepper; it's the quintessential Thanksgiving-flavored side.
thatgrrl at 1:19PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread and sausage stuffing is my favorite.
fatthy at 1:22PM on 11/16/09
simple roasted red potatoes with rosemary
Traci7822 at 1:23PM on 11/16/09
My grandmother's version of stuffing - she taught my mom to make it, and I'm still waiting for mom to teach me. There is a trick to it that I haven't mastered, but it is a wonderful thing to behold (and taste).
studyzone at 1:23PM on 11/16/09
I'm mashed potato obsessive.
lkrier at 1:24PM on 11/16/09
cranberry relish
veggieout at 1:25PM on 11/16/09
I think I love sweet potato casserole the best.
arm1970 at 1:28PM on 11/16/09
I'll add a vote for cranberries--relish, tart, in anything. So good.
erialc at 1:29PM on 11/16/09
It has to be green bean casserole =)
colleen7583 at 1:31PM on 11/16/09
Mashed potatoes, for sure!
Cupcake819 at 1:31PM on 11/16/09
I've had some great inventive sides but stuffing remains my favorite.
zenright at 1:36PM on 11/16/09
For some reason ....the side I always look forward to ....and NEVER tire of ......is the homemade whipped yukon gold potatoes .
foodie51 at 1:37PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing with gravy - I only eat it once a year and savor every moment!
rilabby at 1:37PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing, and I mean the old fashion stuffing that comes right out of the bird!
ashtonsh at 1:38PM on 11/16/09
Brussels sprouts! Sauteed in bacon fat, of course.
Fiksu at 1:40PM on 11/16/09
Sweet potato pudding, hands down.
ChiaLynn at 1:42PM on 11/16/09
It has to be broccoli casserole.
asides at 1:42PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing drenched in gravy.
tech9803 at 1:44PM on 11/16/09
Definitely stufffing!
eliemalone at 1:45PM on 11/16/09
Collard greens cooked with smoked ham hocks and a generous splash of vinegar. The bitter greens are the perfect foil for the rest of Thanksgiving's starchy meal.
wookie at 1:45PM on 11/16/09
Love the Lee Bros. -- I have their first cookbook and it's amazing.
My favorite Thanksgiving side -- well, one of my favorites -- is roasted asparagus. Deliciously nutty!
cochon at 1:46PM on 11/16/09
Green Bean Casserole, no doubt!
jdavis81 at 1:46PM on 11/16/09
I would have to say it's my Great Grandmother's Gravy.....on absolutely everything!
chelseyrue at 1:46PM on 11/16/09
My mom's stuffing with chestnuts. It's actually just bagged Pepperidge Farm but I love it. Unfortunately I won't get to have it this year though as we're going to a relatives' house and we're on dessert duty...
wrain at 1:47PM on 11/16/09
its gotta be mashed potatoes......mmm
sassysprite at 1:47PM on 11/16/09
I will forever love stuffing.
caroliiine at 1:49PM on 11/16/09
I love my wife's green bean casserole!
andymcmorrow at 1:49PM on 11/16/09
My absolute favorite is my mom's cornbread dressing. I eat at least two helpings too many and still can't wait for leftovers the net day!! Also, as terrible as I know it is, I LOVE canned cranberry sauce (we just call it "can" since it plops out onto the plate and retains the shape of the inside of the can)!
I also love the sounds of the Boiled Peanut Catalogue! I've got to check this out!
misplacedtexan at 1:53PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing. It's what Thanksgiving is made for.
MFalk at 1:54PM on 11/16/09
Green bean bundles -- green beans wrapped in bacon and baked in a bourbon and brown sugar mix.
Tuck at 1:54PM on 11/16/09
Oddly, it is a simple spincach saute' with garlic, tomato and of course a dab of vinegar. Oh and some hot pepper flakes. This dish snuck into turkey day about five years ago and has become a staple. We just pretend that it is an actual traditional Thanksgiving dish.
Michael Z at 1:58PM on 11/16/09
I'm going with cranberry sauce. And I mean that good stuff in a can. I want to see the can-ring-marks on jelled fruit. It means Thanksgiving is here.
garek at 1:58PM on 11/16/09
green beans with garlic and almonds!
annac at 1:59PM on 11/16/09
Like many other commenters, my favorite is dressing (not stuffing, dressing, cooked outside the bird like a casserole). The best of all time is my grandmother's; a close second is my mom's; then my stepmom's; and then my own, a pale imitation but still very tasty.
Cornbread, drippings from the turkey, stock, chopped celery and onions, sage, salt, pepper... Mmmm. And the corner pieces are always best.
kristah42 at 1:59PM on 11/16/09
Corn Pudding. Don't confuse this with warmed up cream corn. This is so much better (well, worse for you really on a health level). I would recommend the Beaumont Inn recipe.
feep at 1:59PM on 11/16/09
Anything that crunches! So much of my plate gets filled with soft textures, that as soon as my teeth hit something with crunch, even if it's from the frozen box of green beans almondine, I get excited!
zephyrluna at 2:00PM on 11/16/09
Green Bean Cassarole Classic
mlbykb at 2:01PM on 11/16/09
My favorite Thanksgiving side is my Grandma's chestnut stuffing.
beegoode at 2:02PM on 11/16/09
stuffing the way my mom has made it ever since I can remember. It is simple but moist delicious and there is never enough left over.
missing_LA at 2:03PM on 11/16/09
Mashed potatoes and gravy
barb at 2:03PM on 11/16/09
Brussels sprouts with mustard vinaigrette
she likes pie at 2:04PM on 11/16/09
gotta be stuffing with no funny business -raisins etc
pamstar at 2:06PM on 11/16/09
sweet potato casserole...
wickedlady at 2:06PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing, stuffing, stuffing. Also, not really a side, but I always claim the vegetables that cook in the cavity of the turkey. Those are truly my favorite.
lizaj at 2:07PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing! I get to make it this year, too. I'm using cashews, bacon and sourdough bread. Mmmm!
reubensandperrier at 2:09PM on 11/16/09
dressing...pumpkin pie in second place!
rebeccadiamond at 2:09PM on 11/16/09
cranberries, cranberries, and cranberries
thebeef at 2:13PM on 11/16/09
mashed sweet potato
bsuqb12 at 2:15PM on 11/16/09
the crunchy bits on the edges of dressing or if that's too specific, roasted brussel sprouts.
ephraim at 2:17PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing. Not dressing. Stuffing.
tankwatkins at 2:20PM on 11/16/09
I love love love brussel sprouts (but like everyone else, hated them as a kid).
Laurel E at 2:21PM on 11/16/09
brussels sprouts
Shelby at 2:22PM on 11/16/09
hmmm
STUFFING - my family makes this amazing herb, sausage, and apple stuffing that i cannot help but eat a TON OF
and parsnips :D
AmaniNaUpendo at 2:23PM on 11/16/09
Baked millet with butternut squash and cranberries.
jbailey at 2:23PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread dressing with pecan-smoked sausage never goes wrong!
eggrollstan at 2:25PM on 11/16/09
Mashed sweet potatoes. Alas, I am always at my in-laws for T-day and while they do a sweet potato dish, it's all gussied up. I like plain old mashed SP's, hold the marshmallows.
greenteacups at 2:26PM on 11/16/09
mashed potatoes and gravy, for sure. And for breakfast the day after.
flamingo at 2:29PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing with gravy, no giblets anywhere.
lambowner at 2:29PM on 11/16/09
broccoli with cheese sauce
Nemis at 2:30PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread dressing with gravy. I could eat it every day.
sticky_note at 2:31PM on 11/16/09
i make a mean bourbon and sage risotto!
nate s. at 2:32PM on 11/16/09
It has alwasy been Sausage Apple dressing (with Gravy). The bird is OK, but the day revolves around the dressing.
oishi at 2:33PM on 11/16/09
Cheesy creamed spinach. Like a spinach pie without the crust!
denvergal at 2:37PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread stuffing, of course! My Dad, only him, will wake up at 4 am to make the cornbread, spend about 45 minutes poaching onions and celery in 2 pounds of butter, and then mixes it by hand. A little salt, pepper, and rubbed sage...its heaven on a spoon :)
SuzyHomemaker at 2:39PM on 11/16/09
basmati rice with yogurt, mustard seeds, and curry leaves… goes with everything haha
malecki at 2:39PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread stuffing. 'nuf said.
finsbigfan at 2:48PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing! (smothered in gravy of course.)
lakeloverhh at 2:49PM on 11/16/09
As great as all of the homemade and gourmet sides my mother and I make are.. I go straight for the green beans with mushrooms and crispy onions that someone else brings and makes with grocery store pre-made ingredients. That said, I could eat mounds of my mother's cranberry sauce straight. Or on a brie sandwich the next day.
lscrabtr at 2:50PM on 11/16/09
Garlic roasted potatoes!
stuffedofu at 2:51PM on 11/16/09
Mashed sweet potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, shredded coconut, and macadamia nuts.
PDXbiker at 2:52PM on 11/16/09
my favourite t-giving side is a good stuffing/dressing. makes me look forward to it!
hungrychristel at 2:52PM on 11/16/09
Old fashioned: Chestnut stuffing.
rosasharne at 2:53PM on 11/16/09
dressing is my favorite on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, and the day after that, too.
BrunswickStew at 2:54PM on 11/16/09
Sliced sweet potatoes, coated in butter, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and baked in a hot oven so they get crispy around the edges. Also, cold stuffing at midnight.
BobsbigboyJP at 2:54PM on 11/16/09
sweet pots!
_greenbean at 2:57PM on 11/16/09
Roasted Acorn squash with brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkle and quick finishing broil
npfldmom at 2:58PM on 11/16/09
Brussels sprouts and pie. I would love it if I could actually eat the pie at the same time as the main meal, but no one wants to cut into the pies that early.
snackpig at 3:02PM on 11/16/09
cornbread dressing
onrushpam at 3:05PM on 11/16/09
potatoes and gravy. simple and awesome.
elcorazonsangrante at 3:09PM on 11/16/09
Mashed potatoes and gravy.
Barbd at 3:12PM on 11/16/09
My Mom's stuffing - which is so unique, no one else can duplicate!
jujyfruit at 3:20PM on 11/16/09
I'd have to say the most vital Thanksgiving side dish is mashed potatoes and my favorite would be my Mascarpone Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
SteadyRollins at 3:23PM on 11/16/09
Mashed potatoes and gravy.
GranFan at 3:30PM on 11/16/09
potato and cornflake casserole with cheddar cheese, onions, sour cream, lots of melted butter and cream of mushroom soup. Sounds horrifying but it amazing!
BirdNoir at 3:34PM on 11/16/09
Anything with bacon - Brussels sprouts, cornbread, green beans...
madball911 at 3:37PM on 11/16/09
Sweet potatoes.
karen r at 3:38PM on 11/16/09
Garlicky mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy, please.
I Sony at 3:39PM on 11/16/09
Spicy Sausage stuffing with Rye bread, dried fruit and tons of booze and veggies. Heaven!
bitchincamero at 3:42PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing - the kind I grew up with was made from day-old bread and had only onions and celery, salt and pepper, butter and water. Yum.
sjwoodin at 3:45PM on 11/16/09
Sweet potato souffle. I've been hooked ever since I've moved down to Georgia
parkse at 3:49PM on 11/16/09
My very favorite is shitake bread pudding--a side that takes some time and often never makes it to the table on Thanksgiving! But I always do it the day after, if I've fallen down on the big day, and it's the best thing about the leftovers!
Teachertalk at 3:49PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing, please! Traditional or non....and lots of it.
MadameTart at 3:50PM on 11/16/09
My mother's green bean casserole. She does her with wild rice and caramelized onions. It is the best.
meleyna at 3:54PM on 11/16/09
Although I love all the Thanksgiving sides, my favorite is the dressing. It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it.
CJ McD at 3:59PM on 11/16/09
Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms.
AimDee at 4:13PM on 11/16/09
Gravy! it's all about the gravy. Gravy on smashed taters, gravy on stuffing/dressing, gravy on turkey, gravy straight... just bring on the gravy. Give me my own individual gravy boat and I'm in heaven - well, a pile of crispy turkey skin would be a tasty garnish.
SeattleDee at 4:14PM on 11/16/09
Pie. Apple pie and turkey go surprisingly well together.
SmartyPants248 at 4:14PM on 11/16/09
I neeeeeeeed this book! My favorite side is roasted brussel sprouts with garlic, pancetta, fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar. Mmmm....I dream about them all year and can't WAIT until it gets cold enough for fresh sprouts to arrive at the store. Roast 'em until they're just starting to char a little around the edges. Heaven.
Lara_Nell at 4:15PM on 11/16/09
mashed potatoes, stinky with garlic. the year we left their production to a health-conscious family member who brought a platter of boiled smashed spuds with nary a drop of butter or salt or milk or ANYTHING to flavor the poor things, we literally cried. we love them that much.
punkrockmartha at 4:16PM on 11/16/09
Butternut squash, cubed... drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and roasted until soft and caramelized. It's better than candy!
Brownie at 4:20PM on 11/16/09
Buttermilk mashed potatoes
slowdownandeat at 4:20PM on 11/16/09
Roasted brussel sprouts with butter!
bikechef at 4:30PM on 11/16/09
Stuffed Artichokes!
cp123 at 4:31PM on 11/16/09
Rumanddiet family stuffing... which is basically normal stuffing. But homemade of course.
rumanddiet at 4:31PM on 11/16/09
Aw, have to pick just one! I'd surely cry if there weren't any sweet potato souffle on the table.
ricedream24 at 4:41PM on 11/16/09
cornbread stuffing with sausage, pecans, and golden raisins
noanise at 4:42PM on 11/16/09
mashed potatoes !!!!!
PoorOldMama at 4:44PM on 11/16/09
sweet potato biscuits
margaretvv at 4:46PM on 11/16/09
anything with sweet potatoes!
amytug77 at 4:49PM on 11/16/09
roasted garlic mashed potatos :D
hoff_83 at 4:49PM on 11/16/09
Canned cranberry sauce.
mazacote at 4:50PM on 11/16/09
homemade cranberry relish
Spicy at 4:50PM on 11/16/09
stuffing topped with gravy
drew13000 at 4:51PM on 11/16/09
I love a good dressing!
bobcatsteph3 at 4:51PM on 11/16/09
My grandmas chestnut stuffing. The secret is the bacon!
darragh24 at 4:53PM on 11/16/09
mashed potatoes
aharste at 5:06PM on 11/16/09
My mom's oyster dressing smothered in turkey gravy. The recipe was passed to her by my dad's mother who was an awesome cook and taught my mom everything she knows. My maternal grandma ranked right up there with worlds worst cooks!
Mattrat at 5:10PM on 11/16/09
Without a doubt -- dressing and gravy. Yum!
IndyGal at 5:18PM on 11/16/09
Chestnut Dressing.
dksbook at 5:19PM on 11/16/09
I'm a sucker for what my mother calls sweet potato souffle - not a souffle at all! Good ol' Southern yams, brown sugar, pecans...you know the good stuff.
suzinrva at 5:20PM on 11/16/09
Corn King - as I branded it as a 4 yr old when I couldn't say casserole: 1 stick melted butter, 1 8 oz. container sour cream, 1 can creamed corn, 1 can drained whole kernel corn, 1 box Jiffy corn bread mix.
Amazing!
funnylittleways at 5:20PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing. I like the regular bread kind with lots of herbs!
ScienceandtheCity at 5:26PM on 11/16/09
stuffing is the best - i know it's bad to roast your turkey with the stuffing inside, but the flavor is sooooo good.
Cornelia at 5:32PM on 11/16/09
Mashed potatoes...mmm.....
marchpane at 5:33PM on 11/16/09
My wife made an amazing butternut squash, cheddar, and kale bread pudding this year (we had it last month in Canada). Recipe here:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Butternut-Squash-and-Cheddar-Bread-Pudding-355792
jordanu at 5:35PM on 11/16/09
sweet potato casserole
ssultan23 at 5:35PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread and sausage dressing with pecans. And canned black olives- it's a family thing.
wcchopper at 5:42PM on 11/16/09
stuffing made from homemade cornbread and sausage
neeki at 5:53PM on 11/16/09
Cranberry sauce - I have a bit of a sweet tooth.
mollyn at 5:54PM on 11/16/09
Dressing and Cumberland cranberry sauce.
arjava at 6:22PM on 11/16/09
My butternut squash-creamed spinach casserole
pickled at 6:37PM on 11/16/09
potato gratin
kimbodian at 6:37PM on 11/16/09
Rosemary mashed potatoes. Make them every year for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
hayleythecaker at 6:44PM on 11/16/09
My sister's Cran Marnier - homemade cranberry sauce with Grand Marnier mixed in. Her delicious invention!
PeanutButter at 6:48PM on 11/16/09
My mom's stuffing is the best ever.
southerncooker at 6:50PM on 11/16/09
my mother's stuffed celery...probably something only family can love!
morebreadplz at 7:02PM on 11/16/09
Roasted brussel sprouts...way too good with some extra gravy
NoahB at 7:14PM on 11/16/09
Cornbread Stuffing
GrimChef at 7:27PM on 11/16/09
Mashed potatoes with gravy.
irishnyc at 7:28PM on 11/16/09
Dressing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
andysophiemom at 7:37PM on 11/16/09
Can't go wrong with mashed potatoes and gravy.
peachyfuzz at 7:47PM on 11/16/09
absolutely the cranberry sauce. or the stuffing. or the sweet potatoes. can't decide- they're all so great!
sourapple237 at 8:25PM on 11/16/09
There is a My Mother's Southern Cooking cookbook by (Paul?) Villas with an awesome cranberry "salad" (jello) that is perfect for Thanksgiving. I always make Pepperidge Farm stuffing (blue bag) with onions and celery sauteed, like mom. Really--it's all good!
MemeGRL at 8:44PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing. :)
Josh Baugher at 8:47PM on 11/16/09
wild mushroom stuffing
llama at 8:49PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing. From a box. Please don't judge me.
ag3208 at 8:56PM on 11/16/09
mashed potatoes and gravy ftw!
themotorcyclechef at 9:03PM on 11/16/09
Gravy, it's the only part I really care about, I can take or leave the turkey itself.
swampyankee at 9:24PM on 11/16/09
cranberry sauce out of the can. with the ridge markings.
mascarpwnd at 9:55PM on 11/16/09
Beet-coriander puree from The New Basics adds striking color as well as taste to the Thanksgiving table.
chanterelle at 10:04PM on 11/16/09
Stuffing (technically, dressing).
annerska at 10:09PM on 11/16/09
Call me a chump, but green bean casserole.
Frosty Nostrils at 10:11PM on 11/16/09
brussels sprouts with bacon
QK224 at 10:18PM on 11/16/09
It's a toss up between cornbread dressing and sweet potato casserole. However, I just had a baked sweet potato with molasses pecan butter at a restaurant, and that may be a new addition to this year's Thanksgiving table.
jcwest47 at 10:18PM on 11/16/09
Green bean bundles! I love the bacon-y brown sugar-y goodness.
brandi at 10:25PM on 11/16/09
Mom's Broccoli Casserole
LadyFlambe at 10:26PM on 11/16/09
Oh...green bean casserole!! Yum!!
RJ Foodie at 10:34PM on 11/16/09
My Japanese grandmother's Mochi Rice Stuffing using mochi rice, shiitake mushrooms, and chestnuts. Unreal. Still goes perfectly with traditional Thanksgiving foods.
kimnelson09 at 10:47PM on 11/16/09
Oooh, my fav Thanksgiving side is definitely my uncle's mashed potatoes! :)
cupcakemuffin at 10:54PM on 11/16/09
Marjean's cranberry-orange relish. Marjean was kind of like a third grandmother...she adoped us as much as we adopted her. I can't remember a Thanksgiving without her cranberry-orange relish...the day just doesn't feel right without it. This one is definitely a tradition for me and my family.
My new favorite side is Brussels sprouts cooked with garlic and bacon!
slmcdanold at 11:01PM on 11/16/09
boiled cauliflower then mixed w/ butter & mashed up salted crackers
maomau at 11:12PM on 11/16/09
stuffing!
lauralop at 11:16PM on 11/16/09
Dressing and mashed potatoes with gravy. I love it all, really.
yankeesgal at 11:34PM on 11/16/09
My grandma's broccoli casserole, which includes cream of mushroom soup but I pretend not to know that.
amadaun at 11:52PM on 11/16/09
Yams with marshmallow topping!
marieinla at 12:04AM on 11/17/09
Cornbread dressing with cranberry sauce. Mmmmm.
KimberlyMcK at 12:09AM on 11/17/09
My wife and I could not get through the year without a fresh cranberry sauce with orange and walnuts.
beano at 12:14AM on 11/17/09
mashed potatoes and gravy!
loveology at 12:16AM on 11/17/09
mashed potatoes
Marilyn at 1:41AM on 11/17/09
Creamed onions.
architeuthis at 2:12AM on 11/17/09
Andouille sausage and corn bread stuffing...no question.
wmoss at 2:34AM on 11/17/09
sweet potato casserole, but sans marshmallows. i prefer a crumbly, buttery, brown sugary topping.
grace24 at 3:46AM on 11/17/09
My Nana's Southern cornbread dressing is, without question, my favorite side dish. It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it!
PinkCupcake at 5:23AM on 11/17/09
What you say! Mac and Cheese . Lots o butter . Some a that kitchen seasoning . Baked so that it's real cripsy around the edges an a slight crisp on the top. Scoop it so's every one gets some a that crisp. MMMM.
jfitz at 6:41AM on 11/17/09
What you say! Mac and Cheese . Lots o butter . Some a that kitchen seasoning . Baked so that it's real cripsy around the edges an a slight crisp on the top. Scoop it so's every one gets some a that crisp. MMMM.
jfitz at 6:41AM on 11/17/09
stuffing, any kind, you can't go wrong!
Kimm S. at 8:17AM on 11/17/09
Oyster and sausage stuffing.
sidebernie at 8:23AM on 11/17/09
stuffing, or dressing, whatever you want to call it.
Carioca at 8:36AM on 11/17/09
A broccoli and rice casserole that only my mother makes -- it's AMAZING!
kfarrel3 at 9:29AM on 11/17/09
My sister-in-law's spicy sausage stuffing baked in a pumpkin. Om nom nom.
terplinz at 9:29AM on 11/17/09
pan fried cauliflower that my grandma used to make. now i have to make it every year. its the best!
kchiara80 at 9:53AM on 11/17/09
My dressing. I use three kinds of bread (sourdough, rye and corn), mushrooms, onions, celery, apples and almonds.
Eat4good at 11:12AM on 11/17/09
stuffing - straight-up, unbastardized, non-new-fangled!
i8alot at 11:53AM on 11/17/09
Oyster Dressing!
NOLA_Pam at 12:14PM on 11/17/09
sweet potatoes - casserole or chunks, doesn't matter but i need sweet potatoes on the table!
chon76 at 12:59PM on 11/17/09
For me, it's definitely the stuffing. Well, technically it's dressing, but we always called it stuffing, even though it wasn't cooked in the turkey.
I love eating croutons by themselves, so I guess I have a thing for herbed bread.
WetIII at 1:16PM on 11/17/09
oyster dressing...our family tradition. would not be Thanksgiving without it!
vtritt at 1:19PM on 11/17/09
Must have stuffing, not dressing, stuffing!!! Preferably my grandmother's.
Hope I win this book, fairly new southern transplant and have no clue how to cook southern. Thanks.
aabinfl at 1:22PM on 11/17/09
cornbread stuffing with sausage, apples and celery. or...the perfect mashed potato... mmmm
sassysprite at 1:40PM on 11/17/09
My mother's homemade creamy pumpkin soup flavored with bacon, celery, and love!
ckh_lin at 2:32PM on 11/17/09
My mom's cornbread stuffing is the best (especially as leftovers).
shannons at 2:57PM on 11/17/09
Mashed potatoes, plain and simple.
jkershen at 2:57PM on 11/17/09
I love cornbread stuffing with apples. YUM.
swmickelson at 3:35PM on 11/17/09
Dressing, made with cornbread, fennel-filled sausage, fresh sage and lots of chicken stock. Mashed potatoes is a close second.
TeriinTokyo at 4:10PM on 11/17/09
Creamed peas and onions.
Bandbabe at 4:14PM on 11/17/09
Creamed spinach!
zina1017 at 4:21PM on 11/17/09
Sweet potatoes with a marshmallow topping. Southern all the way!
foodchemistry at 4:55PM on 11/17/09
A cornbread dressing made with bulk pork sausage, apples, and prunes.
chascates at 5:16PM on 11/17/09
Sweet potatoes topped with brown sugar are my favorite!
Hurdler4eva at 5:20PM on 11/17/09
Homemade Stuffing!
Chilisoup1 at 5:31PM on 11/17/09
Homemade stuffing (dressing, if you wanna be technical 'bout it) with tons of butter and sage!
cyncha at 5:38PM on 11/17/09
Mashed potatoes, of course.
lisal at 6:13PM on 11/17/09
I make a killer cranberry sauce with orange and walnuts. It is fabulous. I just saw these guys on a throwdown with Bobby Flay and they are great fun.
chrissy75007 at 6:37PM on 11/17/09
This Cranberry Chutney that I discovered a few years ago. Cranberries, onions, apples, wine, spices...mmm.
Larikatz at 6:40PM on 11/17/09
Carol Harrity
CarolHarrity@BasicISP.net
Stuffing is first place in this house.
CarolHarrity at 7:28PM on 11/17/09
Tomato Pudding. There are 2 recipes for it in the New York Times Heritage Cookbook and it is a terrific Holiday side.
tcjanes at 7:42PM on 11/17/09
broccoli and cheese casserole.
agordon10 at 7:47PM on 11/17/09
My husband's bourbon sweet potatoes are the best.
fangirl at 7:53PM on 11/17/09
I love mashed turnips and cutting up the turnip is so hard for me that I only do it once or twice a year. I use cream and butter and a little nutmeg when I mash them and they are a big hit!
alycep06 at 8:07PM on 11/17/09
A sweet spicy mix of mashed sweet potatoes and butternut squash
peanutbutterpleaser at 10:11PM on 11/17/09
lemony green beans with marcona almonds!
moniyer at 11:33PM on 11/17/09
I had candied yams (complete with marshmallow!) for the first time this past [Canadian] Thanksgiving. Soooo goooood.
Vincci at 11:36PM on 11/17/09
My dad's cranberry sauce with orange peel, lime, and ginger
Nicholas H at 11:37PM on 11/17/09
deep fried brussel sprouts and sweet potato casserole
lourdes at 11:38PM on 11/17/09
I tried a brussels sprouts gratin for the first time which was deeeelish.
PoignantTuna at 5:58AM on 11/18/09
It has to be chestnut stuffing.
mcferret at 6:11AM on 11/18/09
Butternut squash and brussels sprouts. Hands down.
cashewsandhummus at 8:25AM on 11/18/09
Ever since I was a child, my mom has been making this Squash casserole that has squash, cream cheese, sour cream, stove top stuffing, cream of mushroom soup and onions. And I'd never eaten it because I really dislike onions. This year, for some reason she decided to make it without onions just for me. Why she would do this after all these years (I'm 25) it beyond me. Anyway, to get to the point, it was one of the best things I've ever eaten. Now I know why my brother obsesses over it.
deedoucette at 8:59AM on 11/18/09
Cranberries - jelly, relish, chutney...whatever as long as it is cranberries
jaspevacek at 9:02AM on 11/18/09
broccoli and cheese casserole with Lays potato chips sprinkled on top.. it is awesome. :)
machamlett at 9:35AM on 11/18/09
wild mushroom dressing with loads of mushrooms, cream, and day-old bread!
Zebbie at 10:17AM on 11/18/09
My Mom's stuffing, of course.
dadcancook at 10:51AM on 11/18/09
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping - yum!
JaimeL at 12:02PM on 11/18/09
My favorite is the sausage stuffing I make with Italian bread.
LIDARKSIDE at 12:36PM on 11/18/09
cranberry sauce!! this year i tried one (yes, i know..its still week before thanksgiving)..but it had mandarin oranges!! delicious
ConnoisseurCat at 12:57PM on 11/18/09
Stuffing! My husband's stuffing is the best. Even better than my Mom's was.
amylou61 at 1:17PM on 11/18/09
Twice baked potato casserole. Nothing better!
haushold at 1:26PM on 11/18/09
Year after year, the mashed potatoes steal the show.
Laura S. at 1:26PM on 11/18/09
I really love my mother's Kings Hawaiian bread dressing. Just the right combination of sweet and savory. Mmm.
missvenuz at 1:43PM on 11/18/09
Gotta give it up to green bean casserole. As one of the first grandchildren in my family with the money & skills to help out with the thanksgiving feast I'm providing green bean casserole this year. And I'm super pumped to put my own delicious twist on it and impress my gramma.
klisty at 1:46PM on 11/18/09
Anything my southern grandma or aunt puts on the table. The mac & cheese, the broccoli casserole, but ohhh the sweet potato souffle... wow. By 'souffle' I mean that is what is was referred to as in the family, which has no resemblance to an actual souffle at all - it's actually more of a casserole. Gotta love how that works!
TruffleButterShuffle at 1:51PM on 11/18/09
Mashed potatoes
myntric at 1:53PM on 11/18/09
hash brown casserole--cornflakes and all...
andie at 1:59PM on 11/18/09
Stuffing! Especially the crispy edges.
Rebecca F. at 2:11PM on 11/18/09
Acorn squash, cut in half, roasted with butter, brown sugar, salt, pepper
Chowdahead at 2:39PM on 11/18/09
mashed potatoes and gravy
TNFarmer at 2:42PM on 11/18/09
Collards made using some smoked ham hocks.
slvance at 3:16PM on 11/18/09
candied yams
Sunnyvale1 at 3:57PM on 11/18/09
orecchiette and cheese.
lavenhouse at 4:01PM on 11/18/09
cornbread stuffing........
starsmom at 4:33PM on 11/18/09
green beans with almonds!
puotinen at 5:00PM on 11/18/09
Old-fashioned scalloped oysters, made with Bull's Eye canned oysters, butter, cracker crumbs, cream, and salt & pepper (the simplest version), or gussied up with sautéed spinach and a touch of Dijon mustard . . .
misaacka at 6:28PM on 11/18/09
Green been casserole! It never gets old.
brass.is.class at 6:31PM on 11/18/09
Mine, the Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
My Hubby's, Bring on the Stuffing!!
basicsadie at 6:57PM on 11/18/09
Corn bread. And pecan pie...if that can be counted as a side...
wunami at 12:26AM on 11/19/09
Mushrooms stuffed with chopped nuts and cream and spinach souffle- are two non-traditional, but very tasty, additions to the holiday table. I also like the looks and the tastes of a big fresh fruit display: muscat grapes, murcotts or clementines, gala apples, peaches, pears and a variety of berries. That bit of natural sweetness can really refresh a palate.
hickcrazy1 at 1:50AM on 11/19/09
we don't really do a big sit-down thing, but instead invite friends to cook with us throughout the day. this year, I am most looking forward to making red curry duck ravioli with coconut-lime sauce. I've made this once before and it was the best filled pasta I've ever made.
malecki at 3:45AM on 11/19/09
Green bean casserole with the french fried onions on top.
paryjeja at 6:15AM on 11/19/09
Sausage and apple dressing, cranberry sauce, and although not technically a side dish - pumpkin pie!
tender crumb at 9:35AM on 11/19/09
Mashed rutabaga! Something my mom makes only at the holidays. Yummy.
Rutabaga: aka Swede, aka Yellow Turnip
TwoBarkingDogs at 11:47AM on 11/19/09
I love roasted Brussels Sprouts. Thanks!
clc408 at 11:54AM on 11/19/09
My grandmother's braised kale.
jammin83 at 12:42PM on 11/19/09
I have to say stuffing is my favorite side, in any way shape or form. It is a side that screams thanksgiving and I love it for that.
tanyavell at 1:05PM on 11/19/09
My boyfriend's New Orleans father's oyster dressing. He's from New Orleans, and the dressing is super-traditional and amazing.
My aunt's potato casserole: diced potatoes, sour cream, cheese, onions, its awesome.
arkie at 1:24PM on 11/19/09
Oyster stuffing with pine nuts! I love adding cooked oysters to the palate of Thanksgiving flavors - they're so earthy.
EvaFay at 1:26PM on 11/19/09
roasted squash medley!
bethlaham at 1:29PM on 11/19/09
Although it's something most people don't eat the other 364 days of the year, the archetypical Thanksgiving side dish is cranberry sauce. Without it, your Thanksgiving table, no matter how elaborate, is incomplete.
While the jellied Ocean Spray product is every adult's nostalgic guilty pleasure, I also do my own version made with fresh cranberries, and flavored with Grand Marnier and Lebanese orange flower water.
salpico at 1:38PM on 11/19/09
I love EVERY kind of stuffing!
lanes at 1:47PM on 11/19/09
I'd say stuffing, but that's the centerpiece, not a side. So squash, baked with apples and brown sugar.
skizziks at 1:54PM on 11/19/09
stuffing for sure- especially if it has dried fruit in it
little orange straw at 2:02PM on 11/19/09
Aside from mom's cornbread and sausage stuffing drenched with giblet gravy, I'm going to cast my vote with succotash made with buttered corn, lima beans and tomatoes.
czken at 2:02PM on 11/19/09
My absolute favorite is the homemade mashed potatoes that we make with lots of garlic and butter topped with delicious turkey gravy.
Jingoro at 2:15PM on 11/19/09
cranberry sauce is such an exclusively once a year treat!
marianam at 2:22PM on 11/19/09
My mom's thick country noodles. While not a "traditional" thanksgiving side- she made it for me when I flew home this week for our (early)family Thanksgiving. It brough tears to my eyes that she remembered how much I love this family dish.
bisbee at 2:24PM on 11/19/09
Mashed potatoes!
LizLemon at 2:28PM on 11/19/09
Fresh green beans (not from the can) blanched and then made into the traditional green bean cassarole.
Spicey Beaver at 2:50PM on 11/19/09
My favorite Thanksgiving side is a spinach casserole my pseudo-aunt is always in charge of making. It's chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, nuts of some kind I think, cheese, and I'm sure butter and/or cream. Basically I really have no idea what's in it, but it tastes fantastic, and that's good enough for me!
imperfectcomplainer at 2:57PM on 11/19/09
cornbread dressing
jenniley at 3:12PM on 11/19/09
It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce.
beano at 3:13PM on 11/19/09
my favorite dish: turkeygravydressingpotatoescranberrysaucegreenbeans
psrichmond at 3:17PM on 11/19/09
When I was a kid, I couldn't get enough of those unnaturally-colored spiced apple rings that Grandma would put in the relish tray. Nowadays, I'm permanently in love with green bean casserole with the french fried onions on top.
Malibu Stacy at 3:19PM on 11/19/09
Broccoil casserole that has cheese in it and is topped with crushed Cheese-Itz crumbs.
dmcavanagh at 3:23PM on 11/19/09
My family doesn't like stuffing so I make individual savory corn and chipotle bread puddings instead. Good stuff.
DeniseEvans at 3:23PM on 11/19/09
It always ends up being the cranberry sauce.
Pupster at 3:40PM on 11/19/09
My grandma's mashed potatoes and gravy. I still can't replicate them after all these years of eating them. She gave me her recipe, but I'm sure she doesn't cook the same recipe. She's the best cook I know.
rustle-t-bombpop at 4:01PM on 11/19/09
Stuffing.
sjwoodin at 5:16PM on 11/19/09
Stuffing makes me weak in the knees, primarily my Sausage-Pumpkin-Jalapeno Cornbread stuffing. Sigh.
magnolia8228 at 6:14PM on 11/19/09
Mashed potatoes .......always ....mashed potatoes .................
foodie51 at 6:51PM on 11/19/09
My Italian Great Aunt would always serve so many traditional Italian sides, the "American" traditionals always seemed like an afterthought. I can still taste her paper thin, barely battered fried zucchini. That will always remain my favorite Thanksgiving side dish, even though no one in my family knows how to replicate it.
mycherrypie at 11:45PM on 11/19/09
Dip the roll in the mashed potatoes!
arindaadam at 11:50PM on 11/19/09
I can't choose one without the other. Cornbread dressing and collard greens are sublime together.
Rocquie at 12:08AM on 11/20/09
Stuffing. No doubt about it.
dbcurrie at 2:33AM on 11/20/09
Mmmmm...stuffing...I would have to agree with that!
RJ Foodie at 6:49AM on 11/20/09
Green bean casserole for me, please !
majacooking at 8:14AM on 11/20/09
I love stuffing/dressing of any kind, but it's tough to choose between that and a good green bean casserole. More, please!
bettyjoan at 8:48AM on 11/20/09
My mother's cornbread dressing, with a little giblet gravy, and a dollop of cranberry sauce.
Remander at 9:50AM on 11/20/09
Cornbread dressing!
onrushpam at 11:05AM on 11/20/09
Thanksgiving wouldn't feel right without a chunky, moist dressing (or stuffing, though I'm taking Alton's advice to heart and keeping it out of my turkey this year). But I've also a particular fondness for all the orange Thanksgiving sides -- caramelized yam, pumpkin purees, fleshy marrows. Those Squash Half Moons with Butter, Sesame, and Salt sound like heaven.
Lee Anne Shaffer at 1:26PM on 11/20/09
Pumpkin bread like only my mother can make!
DrPookie at 1:39PM on 11/20/09
Love it when the cranberry sauce creeps into the dressing and mashed potatoes...deeelish...hope I win :)
Terinlikesfood at 1:41PM on 11/20/09
i love potatoes of any kind...so...creamy, garlic-y mashed potatoes.
Cornelia at 1:47PM on 11/20/09
Dinner rolls from Cook's Illustrated. I could just eat those and nothing else.
ineedtacos at 1:48PM on 11/20/09
spaghetti squash with jalapeno cream. mmm...
armstrks at 1:53PM on 11/20/09
Warm, fresh cornbread, straight from the oven
Phil W. at 1:57PM on 11/20/09
Mashed potatoes and gravy....
jsd517 at 1:57PM on 11/20/09
This year it will be pumpkin ravioli with sage brown butter sauce.
deedles55 at 3:16PM on 11/20/09
I love homemade warm applesauce!! That and the apple pie are my favorite part of Thanksgiving. I don't like most of the other food including the turkeY!
Thanks for the giveaway!
js2222 at 5:11PM on 11/20/09
My moms - potatoes, summer savory and crushed crackers, also includes tons of butter and a few onions - I miss stuffing since it started killing people :(
CanadianDave at 6:21PM on 11/20/09
green bean casserole, from scratch of course!
cobaltab at 9:01PM on 11/20/09
Gotta go with roasted garlic mashed potatoes. I could eat it all.
Friday at 9:01PM on 11/20/09
Oyster stuffing. Tough part, finding enough people who aren't oyster-phobic...
tempusfugitive at 9:54PM on 11/20/09
Fried Turkey, stuffing and gingersnap gravy in one bite. By far my favorite holiday as it is truly THE holiday for food lovers! I can't wait!!
hneely at 10:02PM on 11/20/09
Sausage and cornbread stuffing. Yum!
iahawk89 at 12:16AM on 11/21/09
My favorite Thanksgiving side is stuffing with gravy.
AsTheNight at 4:32AM on 11/21/09
Green bean casserole, it's not really special but we only have it twice a year. I guess that's what makes it special.
tgrabler at 5:56AM on 11/21/09
Simple mashed potatoes
tomteevee at 7:35AM on 11/21/09
I love the fresh and fresh tasting cranberry and orange relish. Yum.
taxchyk at 8:44AM on 11/21/09
Stuffing! We love stuffing!
Aisling at 9:35AM on 11/21/09
My favorite Thanksgiving side is cornbread-sausage stuffing. So rich, so good!
annulla at 12:48PM on 11/21/09
Has to be the stuffing! It's the only time of the year I make it. And ooooh so good the nest day- IF it makes it!
MonCherie at 2:56PM on 11/21/09
mashed potatoes with wasabi!
zekks at 4:46PM on 11/21/09
stuffing!
sseibert at 7:35PM on 11/21/09
I love my hubby's grandma's homemade noodles. They are so, so good.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
wwe11 at 10:18AM on 11/22/09
My nannie always made a casserole of asparagus, green peas, mushroom gravy and cream cheese and loads of cheddar on top. Though I wouldn't eat this any other day of the year, it just isn't Thanksgiving without it.
nellopea at 11:08AM on 11/22/09
I love a homemade cornbread stuffing! Nothing beats it.
esperfect at 12:30PM on 11/22/09
My favorite is sweet potato salad - potato salad but with sweet potatoes. It has bacon and jalapenos and is all htings good!
ky2here at 3:27PM on 11/22/09
It's a toss up between my Mom's mushroom rice or sweet potatoe pie.
SeahorseLady at 6:16PM on 11/22/09
Cranberry Sauce :)
ktgonyea at gmail.com
ktgonyea at 6:38PM on 11/22/09
is gravy a side?
spike at 7:23PM on 11/22/09
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, yum!
Hotsnotty2 at 8:34PM on 11/22/09
I love old fashioned dinner rolls!
nesta67 at 9:35PM on 11/22/09
I love the sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows.
rsgrandinetti at 12:08AM on 11/23/09
Cranberry sauce
madeas at 1:35AM on 11/23/09
My fav side is the wonderful tasting cranberry sauce
Ardy22 at 1:44AM on 11/23/09
Mashed potatoes and gravy :)
gkran at 2:16AM on 11/23/09
Mashed Potatoes is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com
garrettsambo at 3:02AM on 11/23/09
the gravy, we make ours with lots of giblets and sliced hard boiled eggs
chromiumman at 3:05AM on 11/23/09
wild mushroom stuffing
salty at 3:24AM on 11/23/09
My favorite side is green bean casserole... geez will my boyfriends family have this? Eeek!
devnzac at 5:40AM on 11/23/09
stuffing and any kind of vegetable!
weebb33 at 6:29AM on 11/23/09
Stuffing
sdeas at 8:23AM on 11/23/09
My favorite "side" is the nut bread that my mother used to make for her entire married life. She found the recipe in a newspaper in 1948. It is chock-full of walnuts! Thanks!
dglitter at 8:59AM on 11/23/09
Stuffing, stuffing, stuffing. Love stuffing. Unless you count pie as a side.
cowleyh at 10:26AM on 11/23/09
Dirty Rice!
atreau at 10:33AM on 11/23/09
My favorite side is homemade stuffing. Yummy!!
kngmckellar at 11:14AM on 11/23/09
Homemade stuffing with sausages.
hungrylikethewolf at 11:23AM on 11/23/09
sweet potatoes
07violet at 11:28AM on 11/23/09
My favorite is creamy mashed potatoes
dvice at 11:38AM on 11/23/09
Thank you for participating, and congratulations to our winners:
Rebecca F.
NOLA_Pam
rsgrandinetti
themotorcyclechef
Cupcake819
Winners have been notified by email and also appear on our Contest Winners page.
Caroline Russock at 11:43AM on 11/23/09
Cornbread stuffing with cranberry sauce! LOVE it!
ymam2k at 11:45AM on 11/23/09
I love sweet potatoes!
lilyk at 11:58AM on 11/23/09
Impossible to have just one, so the two would be cornbread dressing and Emmitt Smith's Sweet Potatoe Casserole.
Faither at 12:47PM on 11/23/09
Mashed potatos and gravy, just not Thanksgiving without this side.
lupinea02 at 3:14PM on 11/23/09
Mom's and Grandma's Stuffing!
saturdaynightfever at 5:29PM on 11/23/09
I have made my great grandmother's carrot and zucchini o-shaped loaf for my in-laws for the past three years. I surround the loaf with and put in the middle tons of roasted broccoli - definitely a crowd pleaser, as it goes fantastic with the turkey and mashed potatoes and all the other classic sides!
dsoberman at 10:03AM on 11/24/09