A Great Thanksgiving Side Dish
By Brian P Lewis
Let the countdown begin. So what are you going to do differently this year? C'mon, you know you have been thinking about trying something unique. Every year about this time, we begin to organize our thoughts about what will be on the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. We paint a mental picture in our heads and know exactly what every dish will be and where it will be placed on the table. However, this year like most years, you want to wow your family, friends, guests and strangers. So...what are you gong to do?
Here is a great suggestion that I am sure will keep them talking about you for years to come...or at least until halftime of the football game. We all know that the bird is never really the big deal at thanksgiving. It's always the sides. Lets face it, we all know what turkey tastes like, so in reality, once we have that first bite, the love affair with Americas favorite bird is gone. It's now just another piece of poultry. But the sides can make you remembered as a superstar chef, with just a bit of imagination.
The key to a really good and unforgettable side dish is to keep it simple. It is also important to stay with the theme of the dinner. In other words, you may make the best BBQ baked beans in the world, but now is not the time to bring them out. Let's start with carrots. Most people are not in love with carrots mainly because they are never done right, but here is a recipe that will change their minds about carrots, for good.
Many years ago, I was cooking thanksgiving over at my brothers house and my sister-in law asked me to do some sides. She said I could do anything I wanted. One of the recipes I made was a dish called carrots with cream. I remember my brother looking at the casserole of carrots with major doubt until he decided to give them a try. One bite and he was hooked. He has asked me for the recipe a thousand times.
Today I have decided to give away another real great carrot recipe that I am sure will have your mouth jumping for joy. How about baked and glazed carrots with apples and honey cream. Sound good? Don't get discouraged, the name is much more fancy than the process.
Real simple:
1 bag baby carrots, frozen
1 1/3 cups unsweetened apple juice
2 teaspoons honey
salt to taste
pepper to taste
� cup heavy cream
� cup cornflakes
1 can sliced apples
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Place your carrots into a sauce pan and simmer slowly with your butter. Season with a teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper. Add your apple juice, honey and cream and let simmer for 15 minutes on low. Your sauce should reduce by �. If you reduce to much, don't worry, add some more apple juice. Make sure you reduce on low to prevent scorching.
Pour all of the carrots and the sauce in baking dish and sprinkle crushed cornflakes on top and then layer the sliced apples on top of that. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Food, Family and Faith are the essence of Thanksgiving. Be sure to enjoy each and every person who enters your life on this day. The choice is within.
Brian Patrick Lewis, is a trained Chef, Author and Speaker. Check out his new book 'In the Weeds" and other articles at http://choicewithin.com
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Image source: Google. Image reflect carrots with cream but it doesn't necessarily reflect the above recipe.
