Essential Thanksgiving Cooking Hacks So You Can Focus on Wine

Hosting a crowd for Thanksgiving? Here are a few essential Thanksgiving cooking hacks and time-saving shortcuts so you can focus on the important stuff, like pinot noir. 

Let me guess. Mom made one snide comment about you not having “backup linens,” so you volunteered to host Thanksgiving and prove what an adult you are. Didn’t think she’d call your bluff, and now you’ve got 11 people to cook for and almost no time or idea how to do it.

Deep breath. You CAN do this, but you’re going to need some Thanksgiving dinner cooking hacks…lots and lots of them. We’ve plumbed the depths to bring you the best cooking tips and hosting tricks, designed to conserve what little time and sanity remains AND deliver a Thanksgiving for the ages.

Let’s get to it…

Make a List & Plan

Turkey Day TimelineThe Ultimate Guide to ThanksgivingMaybe not a hack, per se, but this is the best way to insulate against a disaster. (This, and Aunt Janet-proofing the liquor cabinet). Map out what exactly you have to do, what you need to do it, approximately how long it will take, and how much oven/stovetop space it’ll require (often overlooked).

Next, type it up neatly or plug into a handy planning app like Big Oven to keep you organized and on track and do your shopping a few days before to avoid supermarket stampedes.

Related Reading: 15 Best Mobile Apps for Hosting Friendsgiving

Turkey

Let’s start here since this is probably the single most important, complicated, and time-consuming item on the menu. Make your motto “High and Dry” (don’t worry, we’ll explain) and you’ll be in excellent shape.

Go Dry

Brining, or the infusion of salt into the meat for flavor and moisture, has become somewhat ubiquitous for notoriously dry turkey and is highly recommended.

A dry brine (vigorous salt rub) is a much simpler endeavor than the classic wet brine requiring fewer steps, less time, space, and equipment. Dry brines also result in a very salty, crispy skin, so yeah…go dry!

Chowhound

Get our Dry-Brined Roast Turkey recipe.

There are still some purists who swear by a no-brine bird, however, so don’t stress if you must forego.

Related Reading: What to Do If You Forgot to Thaw Your Turkey

Get High

Much can be said for high-heat cooking with regard to results and, naturally, it cuts cooking time down quite a bit.

The below recipe calls for only two hours at a scalding hot 500-525 degrees for a 16 to 18-pound bird. Be careful to adjust for time and weight and this should yield a juicy bird with extra crispy skin. And to get that perfect temperature, make sure to get a digital instant-read meat thermometer.

Chowhound

Get the High-Heat Turkey recipe.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Roaster Pan, $80+ at Sur La Table

This handsome roaster is on sale right now at Sur La Table with special code FRIEND19.

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Spatch Me if You Can

Spatchcocking, an increasingly popular method by which the turkey’s backbone is removed and breastbones are cracked so the bird cooks flat (and fast), is a no-brainer if time is of the essence.

Admittedly, you won’t get that Norman Rockwell glamour shot for Instagram, but your turkey cooks in a fraction of the time and the risk of drying out decreases greatly. To save even more time, have your butcher spatch the turkey for you and note that you can and should still brine it.

Chowhound

Get our Butterflied (‘Spatched’) Roasted Turkey recipe and see spatchcocking in action.

The Make-Aheads

If your turkey motto is “High and Dry,” make your motto for everything else “what can be done before, should be done before.” Catchy, right?

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

This side dish hall-of-famer is a sneaky time-suck on Thanksgiving. The good news is you can make them up to two days ahead, and reheat without losing any of the fluffy, creamy goodness. So do exactly that.

Chowhound

Get the Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Save even more time (and confuse anyone who lives with you) by washing your potatoes in the dishwasher…WITHOUT soap!

More Make-Aheads:

This Chowhound list of make-ahead recipes will be your very best friend. We’ve even pulled out a few favorites to get you started.

• Gravy can be refrigerated or frozen ahead of time and whisked back to life in a saucepan before serving. Get our Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy recipe.

Chowhound

• Stuffing will need to be popped back in the oven or under the broil to re-crisp the top, but with all the chopping and mixing involved, you’re well-advised to pre-prepare. Get our Make-Ahead Apple and Sage Stuffing recipe.

Chowhound

• Making desserts ahead of time is a no-brainer since they keep well. Fruit pies are okay, but can occasionally suffer from soggy-crust syndrome. This Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake, however, will thrive. Even overnight. Get our Make-Ahead Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake recipe. (Or consider making a last minute grocery run for Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving desserts.)

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• Somehow lost in the shuffle, is arguably the best part of Thanksgiving, or any holiday: The booze! Throw together a fun and fabulous large batch cocktail, like this Hot Spiked Wassail, and watch Aunt Janet go! Get our Make-Ahead Hot Spiked Wassail recipe.

Chowhound

Related Reading: Thanksgiving Cocktails You Can Make With Your Cooking Ingredients

Pre-Chop & Prep

Chopping vegetables is proven to be therapeutic, but not when you’ve got 427 other things to do: the dog just swallowed the Elf of the Shelf and your sister showed up early with her “free-spirited” twins.

Do yourself a favor: Chop, peel, and wash as much as you can the night before and seal in plastic bags or other storage containers. You’ll be so glad you did. This tip is also chef-approved.

Reusable Gallon Freezer Bags, 4 for $15.99 on Amazon

Reusable silicone bags are great for stashing prepped components—or leftovers—in the fridge or freezer.

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Related Reading: The Best Products to Transport Thanksgiving Food Without Ruining Your Hard Work

Get Bossy

Don’t be afraid to delegate dishes and tasks to guests, but be smart and gauge their strengths and capabilities in advance. Don’t put your nephew, a sophomore at Michigan State, in charge of the bar, for instance. You’ll end up with an ice luge and 30-pack of Busch Light.

Some people love cooking and will be delighted to pitch in, but give options, like a dessert or simple side dish. If you are going to ask for help, do it passively and make sure they really have the time. They may genuinely be too busy, and nobody wants a Grudge Judy at the table.

Well, that’s all. I think you’re ready.  Get out there and hack your way to a Thanksgiving so delicious and stress-free, you might just volunteer to host Christmas.

Just kidding…don’t do that. Put down the wine.

For more Thanksgiving tips, hacks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide and our Ultimate Guide to Friendsgiving.

Related Video: How to Make the World’s Fastest Pumpkin Pie

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Clam Chowder with Corn

This Clam Chowder is the bomb! It's a variation of a classic New England clam chowder recipe, and includes corn in addition to hard shell clams, potato, and cream.

Continue reading "Clam Chowder with Corn" »

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These Are All the KitchenAid Attachments You Need

If you think a KitchenAid stand mixer only does what it’s name suggests, think again. This kitchen appliance is so versatile, you can make pasta, zoodles, sausage, and even a variety of juices with all of its amazing attachment pieces.

So whether you have a tilt-head model or a bowl-lift mixer, these are all of the stand mixer attachments you’re going to need to really take your cooking and baking experience to the next level.

Plus, plenty are sure to be on sale for Black Friday, so keep your eye out for lower prices.

Vegetable Sheet Cutter, $69 on Amazon

Amazon

Made from metal for a piece that will last, KitchenAid’s vegetable sheet cutter is designed to create sheets of fruits or vegetables for healthy substitutes in any meal. Two blades give you a choice–either thick or thinner sheets depending on your needs.Buy Now

Spiralizer With Peel, Core, and Slice Functions, $69.96 on Amazon

Amazon

From peeling apples to making zoodles, the spiralizer attachment comes with four quick-change blades and an optional peeling blade. You can choose how thick or thin you would like your ribbons to be and use the corresponding metal attachment. It is designed to fit all KitchenAid stand mixers.Buy Now

Sifter and Scale, $89 on Amazon

Amazon

An automatic flour sifter which comes equipped with a battery-operated, easy-to-use digital scale, the Sifter & Scale is designed to make baking easier and baked goods fluffier, as compared to baked items with unsifted flour. The scale can also be used without the KitchenAid stand mixer.Buy Now

Pasta Attachments, $119.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Make your dream of homemade pasta a reality with KitchenAid’s pasta attachments, which come on their own or in a variety of packages, including a 2-piece, 3-piece, or a 5-piece deluxe set. These sets are made from commercial style stainless steel rollers and cutters and roll 6-inch sheets of pasta with eight different thickness settings. Available pasta attachments include a pasta roller, fettuccine cutter, spaghetti cutter, lasagnette cutter, capellini cutter, and a cleaning brush. You can also purchase the pasta roller on its own.Buy Now

Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder, $34 on Amazon

Amazon

Get ready to shred with the Fresh Prep slicer/shredder attachment. Good for use with any size bowl, you can slice and shred as many fruits and vegetables as your recipe calls for–or as many as you want. The Fresh Prep comes with 3mm, 4mm, and 6mm blades so that you can adjust your slicing sizes as you wish.Buy Now

Ravioli Maker, $89.99 on Amazon

Amazon

The KitchenAid ravioli maker processes 6-inch wide pasta sheets to make three rows of large pocket ravioli filled with whatever you want. Stay traditional or get creative–your choice!Buy Now

Food Processor with Commercial Dicing Kit, $139 on Amazon 

Amazon

From cubes thick and thin, to strips fine or coarse and long or short, the food processor with commercial dicing kit has your answer for whatever your recipe calls for, whether that’s sliced or diced fruit, vegetables, or cheese. The attachment is equipped with the brand’s ExactSlice, an external adjustable slicing lever and fits all KitchenAid Stand Mixers, the company said.Buy Now

Juicer and Sauce Attachment, $119 on Amazon

Amazon

For more advanced juicing action, the juicer and sauce attachment is used for slow juicing and sauce making. The attachment comes with three pulp screens, an extra-wide feed tube, and a stainless steel slicing blade. From apples to kale and everything in between, the juicer and saucer attachment can juice, jam, or sauce it all.Buy Now

All Metal Grain Mill, $99.99 at Macy’s (normally $187.99)

Amazon

From coarse to fine grains, the KitchenAid all-metal grain mill is able to grind low-moisture, low-oil grains, including wheat, oats, corn, and rice. Settings range from cracked to extra fine, getting the perfect consistency for whatever you’re making. It works with all KitchenAid stand mixers and also comes with a cleaning brush—and is 46 percent off during Macy’s Black Friday deals event.Buy Now

Ice Cream Maker, $54 on Amazon

Amazon

The KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment allows you to make up to two quarts of ice cream in about 20 minutes. Don’t love ice cream? You can make gelato or sorbet with the attachment as well. It fits all stand mixers larger than 4.5-quart.Buy Now

Metal Food Grinder, $69.99 at Macy’s (normally $124.99)

Macy’s

With the ability to be pre-chilled in the refrigerator, the metal food grinder comes with fine, medium, and coarse grinding plates and two sausage stuffer tubes. This allows you to create your own burgers, sausages, and meat mixtures for meatloaf, and can be used to make breadcrumbs too.Buy Now

If you don’t yet have something to attach these to, see which KitchenAid mixer is best for you. And check out our favorite KitchenAid splurges—as well as our favorite KitchenAid items under $50.

Related Video: Shred Meat with Your Stand Mixer

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How to Chill a Bottle of Wine in 20 Minutes Flat

If you’re wondering about the fastest way to chill a bottle of white wine, try this handy foolproof hack from a restaurant pro.

White wine is fabulous all year round, but it’s just a little more high maintenance than red. That certainly shouldn’t deter you from buying and drinking it, especially on Thanksgiving when a big bold chardonnay or dry riesling is a perfect match for turkey. If you’re lucky, that bottle you’ve been eyeing is pre-chilled in the liquor store fridge, but if it’s not and the party starts, like…now, or there is simply no room left in your own fridge, you are definitely going to need a wine-chilling hack. And we’ve got a good one.

Related Reading: Chowhound Gift Guide 2019: Best Books for Wine Lovers

This ingenious little wine cooling hack works in just 20 minutes (you can stall for 20 minutes, right?) and is used by actual restaurant professionals. Perfect for white wine, of course, or reds that you’d prefer to lower the temp on, and quickly. The sneaky little tip was slipped to us by Rick Camac, dean of restaurant & hospitality management at the Institute of Culinary Education, and involves materials you most likely already have on hand.

Amazon

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Flat vessel like a hotel pan or large metal baking dish
• Handful of salt 
• Ice
• Plastic wrap (to save the labels)

Here’s what to do

“If you don’t have room in your refrigerator to cool wine,” says Camac, and you need to bring it down to temperature quickly, use this restaurant trick. First fill a flat vessel, like a hotel pan, with a huge handful or two of salt. Place a layer of ice on top then place the plastic-wrapped bottle or bottles of wine over that and cover with water. The wine should be chilled in about 20 minutes. In restaurants they generally use a hotel pan for this,” Camac continued,” but if you don’t have one, any deep vessel or even the bathroom sink will work, as long as you can plug the drain.”

Hotel Pan, $18.40 on Amazon

You don't have to run a hotel to get great use out of one of these.

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Morton's Kosher Salt (3 lbs), $13.25 on Amazon

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Read More: The Best Wine Clubs and Subscriptions for Wine Lovers

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A $60 All-Clad Set You Need & More Black Friday Deals to Stock Up On

When it comes to Black Friday kitchen deals, they’re just about everywhere online. But for those who know that they want to spend their money on All-Clad this year, you won’t have to look any further than this list. 

Related Reading: Amazon’s Early Black Friday Deals Are Smoking

At this very moment, there are a handful of very good, very discounted sales happening on All-Clad products, found at places like Wayfair and Macy’s. We’ve gathered all of the best deals on these elegant pots, pans, and roasters from All-Clad (we’re especially into the 13-piece nonstick cookware set that’s ideal for stocking a new kitchen), and keep in mind that while many of these deals many hang around through the weekend, these items go fast. 

Hard Anodized 8- and 10-Inch Fry Pan Set, $59.99

Macy’s

It’s certainly hard to find All-Clad pans that are this discounted—especially at this price for two—but Macy’s is giving it a good deal for Black Friday. These nonstick pans boast flat bottoms and flared sides for easy flipping and stirring. Buy Now

Lasagna Pan with Lid, $49.95

Home & Cook

Down from $170, this lasagna pan was made to roast all of your pasta and casserole dishes. The additional plastic lid means you don’t even need to transfer leftovers—everything can be stored and transported in the pan. Buy Now

Hard Anodized Nonstick Roaster with Rack, $79.99

Bed, Bath & Beyond

Save 20% on this nonstick roaster, complete with a rack, from Bed, Bath & Beyond. The V-shaped rack means all of your meat and poultry will evenly brown, and the bottom of the roasting pan will catch all extra juices for your basting and glazing needs. Buy Now

6-Piece Assorted Kitchen Utensil Set, $89.99

Wayfair

Get $10 off on these assorted kitchen tools on Wayfair (just input code GOURMET19 at checkout), which can be used with nonstick pans. The set includes a ladle, a solid spoon, a slotted spoon, a turner, a fork, and a caddy. Buy Now

4-Quart Stainless Steel Soup Pot, $199.95

Nordstrom

Let your soups and stews simmer away in this 4-quart stainless steel pot from Nordstrom. The high-quality pot is able to heat and cook quickly and evenly, thanks to its aluminum base. Buy Now

7-Piece Cookware Set, $375.99

Bloomingdales

In need of a small grouping of pots and pans to round out your cookware set? Try All-Clad’s 7-piece cookware bundle (25% off at Bloomingdales at checkout), complete with a fry pan, two sauce pans with matching lids, and a lidded stock pot. Buy Now

13-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set, $399.95

Home and Cook

Normally $900, this 13-piece nonstick cookware set from the All-Clad factory is ready to be used for all of your cooking needs. The set comes with three fry pans, three sauce pans with matching lids, a soup pot with a lid, and a stock pot with a lid.  Buy Now

All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set, $699.96

Sur La Table

This 10-piece set normally clocks in at over $1,500, but for Black Friday, Sur La Table is marking it down nearly 50% off. The set comes with two skillets, two sauce pans with matching lids, a sauté pan with a lid, and a stockpot with a lid. Plus, if you spend $500 on All-Clad cookware during Sur La Table’s sale, you can receive a bonus roaster and two pot holders (valued at $169.95).   Buy Now

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KitchenAid Black Friday Deals on Food Processors, Mixers, and More

Are you not exactly sure where to start on your Black Friday search? Perhaps you prefer to shop by kitchen brand, rather than sort through the hodge podge of appliances scattered across the internet? Well, here’s one place you can start: the Black Friday KitchenAid sale. 

This year, KitchenAid is launching a number of Black Friday and holiday sales that don’t just start and end on Black Friday. You’ll be able to mull over purchasing a stand mixer through Jan. 2—which is more than a month away!—and consider a number of purchases through Dec. 9. During the sale, you can save 40% on select hand mixers and 3.5-quart food choppers, 35% on select 7-cup food processors, 30% on select blenders, and 40% on select hand blenders.

Related Reading: The Best Black Friday Kitchenware Deals from Walmart, Target, and More

While these sales will extend for a long period of time, some of the sales will only stick around for a day. For instance, save an extra 10% off on stand mixers, attachments, accessories, and countertop blenders on Black Friday using the code BLACKFRI19. 

In the meantime while you figure out what you’ll be adding to your kitchen collection, take a peak at what we’re stocking up on during KitchenAid’s sales event, then head over to KitchenAid’s Black Friday sales page to see everything else that’s discounted. 

6-Quart Slow Cooker with Glass Lid, $59.99 (Save $40)

KitchenAid

KitchenAid’s slow cooker is 40% off, which can only mean one thing: Time to curl up on the couch and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Make everything from weeknight dinners to pots of slow-cooked chili in the 6-quart ceramic pot. Choose from four different temperature settings, then program the cook time up to 24 hours at a time.    Buy Now

9-Speed Hand Mixer, $69.99 (Save $30)

KitchenAid

No room for a stand mixer in your kitchen? No matter. Let KitchenAid’s hand mixer take control of your cookies and brownies. This version has nine built-in speeds and comes with an assortment of detachable rods: two dough hooks, a whisk, two beaters, a blending rod, and a storage bag to keep everything organized.  Buy Now

5-Speed Classic Blender, $69.99 (Save $30)

KitchenAid

This 5-speed classic blender is 30% off through Dec. 9. The narrow design means it’ll snuggly fit on your kitchen counter to accomplish all your blending needs. You’ll be able to choose from five different speeds, allowing you to stir, chop, mix, puree, and liquify, plus turn on pulse and crush ice modes.  Buy Now

7-Cup Food Processor Plus, $89.99 (Save $40)

KitchenAid

A handful of food processors and food choppers are up to 40% off, including this sleek number that makes chopping, shredding, kneading, pureeing, and slicing so easy. Twist in the sharp disc to slice cucumbers and cheese, or swap in the dough blade for all your pizza and bread dough needs. This model comes with two blades, two slicing discs, an easy-to-twist work bowl, and a removable lid. Buy Now

Pro 600™ Series 6-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, $329.99 (Save $170)

KitchenAid

Upgrade all of your future baking projects with KitchenAid’s pro stand mixer, which is more than 30% off through Dec. 9. The cavernous bowl means you can make up to 13 dozen cookies in one batch, complete with 10 speeds to whisk and knead all your flour and butter. Screw in a flat beater, spiral dough hook, or wire whip, depending on what you’re making, then twist in the pouring shield so you don’t make a mess. Buy Now

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9 Unusual Fall Vegetables to Serve at Thanksgiving

Whether you have a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership, find produce at your local farmer’s market, or opt for what’s most in-season at the grocery store, you’re probably encountering more unfamiliar root vegetables and darker, leafier greens. Although these veggies may not immediately spring to mind when planning your Thanksgiving dinner menu, they might just make for an unexpected-yet-perfect veggie side dish to accompany your traditional main courses.

You can still have your green beans, your sweet potatoes, your butternut squash, and your Brussels sprouts. But give these less common vegetables a chance to shine too.

And just because they’re side dishes doesn’t mean they are less important. Make them stand out by serving them in a beautiful wooden serving bowl.

Acacia Wood Serving Bowl, $49.95 at Sur La Table

Perfect for salads, fruit, and all sorts of veggie sides.

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Kohlrabi

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Never knew I liked kohlrabi until I met this crisp apple and kohlrabi salad with lemon and tarragon. Recipe on blog!

A post shared by Cookie and Kate (@cookieandkate) on Oct 14, 2015 at 1:41pm PDT

I’ll start with my favorite of the unusual fall vegetables: kohlrabi! Part of the cabbage family, kohlrabi is crunchy like a radish with just a hint of sweetness; it might remind you of an apple. For this reason, it complements Honeycrisp apples perfectly in a crisp, refreshing salad. When you’ve got the turkey and the mashed potatoes but realize you’re missing the ‘crunch,’ kohlrabi might be your answer. Get this Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad recipe.

Fennel & Fennel Fronds

Chowhound

Sweet, anise-scented fennel has a flavor not everyone will love, but braising it helps mellow the licorice notes and makes the bulbous veggie silky in texture too. Nutty brown butter, fresh orange juice, and orange zest balance deep earthy flavor with bright acidity. And always save your feathery fennel fronds for garnishing your dish, as we do here. Get our Braised Fennel recipe.

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Fennel

Swiss Chard

Chowhound

Loaded with vitamins but less bitter than kale, Swiss chard can provide the base for that sautéed greens dish you’re trying to figure out. Since it’s as versatile as spinach, you can experiment with a more creative side involving salty capers and sweet golden raisins, as in our Mediterranean Braised Chard recipe above. Or, you can make a simpler version using only olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Either way, Swiss chard can be added seamlessly to this year’s Thanksgiving meal.

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Beet Greens

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Beet Greens, minced garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice are combined and cooked until tender. Once tender these greens are tossed with a touch of butter and seasoned to perfection for a delicious side… #onmytable #onthetable #instafeast #tastemade #commontable #foodstyling #heresmyfood #lifeandthyme #vscocook #yahoofood #dailycortado #realsimple #f52grams #feedfeed #f52grams #huffposttaste #buzzfeast #eeeeeats #beautifulcuisines #thekitchn #foodandwine #forkyeah #onthetable #yahoofood #buzzfeedfood

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Akin to chard but but with way less street cred, you might be surprised to find that beet greens are similarly mild and, indeed, edible! You’ll have more success encountering beet greens if you belong to a CSA or if you frequent a farmer’s market, and if you do, then you know one more leafy green available for use in your holiday side dishes. This simple recipe perks them up with garlic and lemon juice with a bit of butter to smooth the sharp edges, but try a touch of honey too. If you haven’t come across beet greens yet, you can easily substitute chard or spinach. Get this Sauteed Beet Greens recipe.

Japanese Turnips

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My favorite farm fresh snack is hands down these Miso Turnips. The recipe is from @gwynethpaltrow's It's all Easy cookbook. They're absolutely delicious. Grab the recipe on DUTD. Direct link in profile. #goopmake

A post shared by Dishing Up The Dirt (@andreabemis) on Apr 9, 2017 at 7:44am PDT

Thanksgiving sides often involve sweet or roasted flavors. For the best of both worlds, give roasted Japanese turnips a shot. A little sweeter than regular turnips, try enhancing this difference with the addition of maple syrup. And bonus: If your guests are picky, you can double, triple, or quadruple the syrup—heck let’s just have candy for dinner, it’s not like we’re grown-ups or anything! Get this Miso Turnips recipe.

Radishes & Radish Tops

Chowhound

Spicy radishes are equally great with umami-rich miso, and here they’re pan-seared along with their green tops before getting a miso-rice vinegar glaze with an added sprinkle of togarashi (a Japanese seasoning blend with nori, tangerine peel, pepper, sesame, and other spices). This is a great way to add a little international Thanksgiving flair to your table. Get our Pan-Seared Radishes with Miso Butter recipe.

Leeks

Chowhound

If your guests are adult people who occasionally eat a vegetable, they might be pleasantly surprised to find that leeks can be a side dish all on their own. Try serving a braised leeks dish and see how well this vegetable, often relegated to the role of ‘extra’ or ‘supporting actor,’ actually shines on its own. Get our Braised Leeks recipe.

Carrot Tops

Sidney Bensimon

Shifting gears back to the theme of ‘you can eat that vegetable top,’ it turns out carrot tops are edible too—and even more unexpected, make for an excellent pesto. Though you can go full ‘grilled cheese’ as this this Grilled Cheese with Roasted Carrots and Carrot Green Pesto recipe dictates, I recommend you try serving just the carrots-with-pesto part as an elevated version of your typical roasted-carrots side dish (like Antoni Porowski does, with the addition of Greek yogurt and pine nuts). Having bites of carrot accompanied with a little carrot-top pesto is an interesting and nice way to use the whole carrot, avoiding unnecessary food waste.

You can also try a carrot top pipián (made with pumpkin seeds), à la the lovely roasted carrots from Il Fiorista shown above. Chef Garrison Price recommends using baby carrots, as their tops are less bitter than full-grow carrot greens. Get the Baby Carrots with Carrot-Top Pipián, Pistachio, and Coriander recipe.

Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss Peeler, $7.95 on Amazon

A veggie peeler is all you need for chef-level carrot ribbons.

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Brussels Sprout Tops

Finally, if you’re looking for something truly different, give Brussels sprout tops a shot. These, like the beet greens, are more likely to make an appearance in a CSA box than at the grocery store. A spicy dish using Brussels sprout greens, with the addition of chili and ginger, is anything but traditional—and if your guests haven’t yet declared you a Thanksgiving heretic for eschewing the green bean casserole, you might realize you’ve found delicious harmony in blending tradition with inventive use of these seasonal veggies. Get this Spicy Stir-fried Sprout Tops recipe.

For more tips, tricks, hacks, and recipes, see our Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving.

Related Video: These Honey-Harissa Carrots Are a Perfect Friendsgiving Dish

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