Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the turkey often takes center stage, let’s not forget about the side dishes that truly complete the feast. No holiday table is complete without the perfect sides to complement your bird. This year, we’re spotlighting three essentials: creamy mashed potatoes, stuffed squash, and fresh cranberry sauce.
The best part? You can find everything you need for these dishes at your local farms. From fresh potatoes and squash to crisp apples, pears, and tangy cranberries, locally sourced ingredients add unbeatable flavor to your meal while supporting your community. Make your shopping list and head to your local farms this weekend to stock up before the holiday rush!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must-have, and this version goes above and beyond with the addition of roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Using potatoes from a local farm guarantees the best flavor and texture. Serve these creamy mashed potatoes in a warmed serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a festive touch.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 bulb of roasted garlic
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- While potatoes cook, roast garlic: slice off the top of the bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash with a ricer or potato masher.
- Mix in butter, sour cream, milk, and the roasted garlic cloves (squeezed from their skins).
- Season with salt, pepper, and finely chopped herbs. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Stuffed Squash
Looking for something unique and colorful to add to your side dishes? Stuffed squash is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Local farms often have a wide variety of squash, from acorn to delicata, which makes this dish not only tasty but visually stunning. Packed with quinoa, nuts, cranberries, and cheese, it’s a hearty and festive choice. Serve each squash half individually for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients:
- 2 small acorn or delicata squashes
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cranberries (dried or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan or Gruyère)
- 1 small onion, diced
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve the squash and scoop out seeds. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake cut-side down for 25 minutes.
- While the squash bakes, sauté onion until translucent. Mix with quinoa, cranberries, nuts, and half the cheese.
- Remove squash from the oven, flip over, and stuff with the quinoa mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for another 15–20 minutes until the squash is tender and the cheese is golden.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
This fresh cranberry sauce is bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of fresh fruits, dried cranberries, and blueberries. Sweet, tangy, and vibrant, it’s the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1 pear, peeled and diced
- 2 mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup honey (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Combine fresh cranberries, apple, pear, and mandarin oranges in a medium saucepan. Add lemon juice, zest, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
- Cook over medium heat until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens (about 10–15 minutes).
- Stir in dried cranberries and blueberries. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Let cool before serving.
These delicious side dishes are not only delicious but also showcase the benefits of buying from local farms. Fresh, seasonal ingredients make all the difference in flavor and quality. Visit your nearby farms this weekend, and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that’s truly farm-to-table!
