Skip the Turkey, Let's Get Sides-ing
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is often debated. Is it the perfectly cooked turkey? The delicious stuffing? Or perhaps the sweet, sweet cranberry sauce? Whatever your take on the big man himself, let's face it: we've all been there – stuck in a room with 12 pounds of turkey, fighting to carve it without anyone getting too excited about the whole experience.
That's why this year, consider hosting a Sides-giving instead. It's a brilliant way to simplify the holiday and focus on the best parts of the meal. By ditching the bird altogether, you'll avoid the risk of food poisoning (turkey frying accidents are no joke) and spare your wallet from the hefty price tag.
So, what can you serve instead? For starters, consider the classics: stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese. These tried-and-true side dishes offer a variety of textures, flavors, and temperatures that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
But why stop there? Consider adding some newbies to your spread – like roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta or roasted carrots with hot honey and ricotta. With these sides on board, you'll add a pop of color and a dash of excitement to your holiday table.
Of course, not everyone will have time for a full-on cooking extravaganza. That's where make-ahead options come in – from cranberry sauce to dinner rolls, there are plenty of shortcuts to take without sacrificing quality.
When it comes to the ultimate Sides-giving showdown, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallows should be at the top of your list. The silky smoothness of Robuchon's famous mashed potatoes is a game-changer, while the sugary sweetness of those sweet taters will leave you questioning why you ever settled for plain old butter and salt.
And don't even get me started on macaroni and cheese – it's the ultimate comfort food that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you stick with a simple white cheddar or go wild with truffle oil and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
As for the veggies, let's keep things simple with boiled green beans in butter and lemon, or roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta (because caramelized goodness is always on point). And if you're feeling fancy, why not try your hand at some colorful carrots with hot honey?
The bottom line? Sides-giving is all about embracing the little things – flavors, textures, colors, and temperatures that make a holiday spread truly unforgettable. So ditch the turkey and join the ranks of the discerning few who know that sometimes it's better to skip the bird altogether.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the star of the show is often debated. Is it the perfectly cooked turkey? The delicious stuffing? Or perhaps the sweet, sweet cranberry sauce? Whatever your take on the big man himself, let's face it: we've all been there – stuck in a room with 12 pounds of turkey, fighting to carve it without anyone getting too excited about the whole experience.
That's why this year, consider hosting a Sides-giving instead. It's a brilliant way to simplify the holiday and focus on the best parts of the meal. By ditching the bird altogether, you'll avoid the risk of food poisoning (turkey frying accidents are no joke) and spare your wallet from the hefty price tag.
So, what can you serve instead? For starters, consider the classics: stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese. These tried-and-true side dishes offer a variety of textures, flavors, and temperatures that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
But why stop there? Consider adding some newbies to your spread – like roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta or roasted carrots with hot honey and ricotta. With these sides on board, you'll add a pop of color and a dash of excitement to your holiday table.
Of course, not everyone will have time for a full-on cooking extravaganza. That's where make-ahead options come in – from cranberry sauce to dinner rolls, there are plenty of shortcuts to take without sacrificing quality.
When it comes to the ultimate Sides-giving showdown, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallows should be at the top of your list. The silky smoothness of Robuchon's famous mashed potatoes is a game-changer, while the sugary sweetness of those sweet taters will leave you questioning why you ever settled for plain old butter and salt.
And don't even get me started on macaroni and cheese – it's the ultimate comfort food that's sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you stick with a simple white cheddar or go wild with truffle oil and crispy breadcrumbs, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
As for the veggies, let's keep things simple with boiled green beans in butter and lemon, or roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta (because caramelized goodness is always on point). And if you're feeling fancy, why not try your hand at some colorful carrots with hot honey?
The bottom line? Sides-giving is all about embracing the little things – flavors, textures, colors, and temperatures that make a holiday spread truly unforgettable. So ditch the turkey and join the ranks of the discerning few who know that sometimes it's better to skip the bird altogether.
. The turkey is always gonna be there, so why stress about it? Let's focus on the real stars of the show: those delicious sides! 
I mean, have you ever tried Robuchon's mashed potatoes? Game-changer, right? 
And don't even get me started on mac 'n cheese - that stuff is comfort food heaven! 
It's all about balance and variety, you know? A little bit of this, a little bit of that... skip the turkey and just enjoy the ride!
. It can be super stressful trying to cook a whole turkey for everyone, and honestly, let's be real, the leftovers can be kinda meh 
. By focusing on all the delicious sides instead, you can still have a epic Thanksgiving feast without all the hassle. And omg, have you tried those roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta? game changer 
!
omg I'm so down for skipping the turkey this year! I mean have you tried truffle oil with mac n cheese? GAME CHANGER 
Mashed potatoes with toasted marshmallows are like a party in my mouth 
And don't even get me started on the Brussels sprouts with pancetta - I need to try that ASAP 
The whole turkey thing just sounds so stressful and...well, let's be real, it's not even that good anymore 
Can we talk about cranberry sauce too? 
I mean, who makes their own from scratch? 
Not me, that's for sure 
! Adding some new sides to your spread can totally elevate the whole vibe of the party 
. And let's not forget about those colorful carrots with hot honey - yum! 
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. By focusing on the sides, we can really mix it up and try some new recipes. Like, roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta are literally life-changing 
. I think what I love most about Sides-giving is that you can make it as fancy or simple as you want, so everyone feels included. Plus, no risk of overcooking the turkey and ending up with dry meat 
. Let's give sides all the love this Thanksgiving! 
It feels like a lot of hassle just to carve it without anyone getting stressed out about it. A sides-giving sounds like a solid idea, tho! What's your fave side dish that makes a holiday spread pop? 
I mean, sure it's a classic but have you ever really thought about how overrated it is? I swear, it's all about the sides – like, what even is the point of that 12-pound monstrosity taking up all the attention? 
Robuchon's famous mashed potatoes are a total game-changer, btw. Don't @ me. 
I think the thing that's really underrated is how stressful trying to cook a turkey can be 
Not me, but I'm sure many of us can relate. So, hosting a Sides-giving might just be the way to go! 
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! Forget about the turkey drama, let's get this side dish party started! I mean, have you ever had those creamy, cheesy mac 'n cheese bites from college? Those were the real MVPs 
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️. My sister-in-law does that every year and her spread is always on point!