Last-Minute EASY Thanksgiving Side Dishes

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

21 Nov 2007 11:25 AM

There are some Thanksgiving dishes you just don't mess with. Grandma's pumpkin pie, mom's mashed potatoes, Aunt Sue's stuffing, you get the idea. They're the Thanksgiving staples deeply rooted in family tradition. But, over the years as our family has grown (and new people have joined our clan) we've come to incorporate other non-tradiional dishes to the buffet table.

If your Thanksgiving menu looks a little slim consider adding these two dishes to your spread. They are super simple to make and you likely have the ingredients in your kitchen right now. What's more, they make for wonderful leftovers--that is if the bowls aren't licked clean on Thanksgiving.

DOUBLE BERRY SAUCE

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 package (10oz.) frozen sliced strawberries (you could use fresh, but this time of year good strawberries are hard to come by)

1 can (11oz.) mandarin orange segments, coarsely chopped

Directions:

Rinse cranberries. Combine with the sugar in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Immediately add the frozen strawberries and stir occasionally until they are thawed. Stir in orange segments and serve.

**The sauce also serves as a wonderful addition to turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving.***

ALMOND RICE PILAF

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons oil

1/2 block butter

1/2 cup slivered almonds

3 cups rice, washed and drained

3 cups water

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon

1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

Salt to taste

Directions:

Sauté onion in oil and 2 tablespoons butter until translucent. Add almonds; sauté until golden. Add rice; stir to coat. Add water, remaining butter and bouillon; stir and bring to boil. Immediately reduce heat to medium.

Once the majority of the liquid evaporates, cover and turn heat to low. Cook an additional 20 minutes. Garnish with additional slivered almonds. Serves 10.

Related Articles:

Hawaiian Style Thanksgiving Dishes

Variations on the Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Super Simple Salads

Abandon the Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin Mousse in Cinnamon Pastries

Thanksgiving Potatoes

Pumpkin Walnut Biscuits

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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