The Thanksgiving Market

The Market Inspiration
Farmer's Markets are absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving and subsequent holiday feast preparation. The market celebrates good food year round, the people who grow it, and the food lovers who eat it. While walking through the market at this time of year, you can hear wonderful conversations as the cooking preparations for succulent meals are described in detail. You also learn the stories from a diverse community of people sharing the memories of how they celebrate the holidays. Contrast this to the stress and noise of the mall during Christmas time and you can see how being a part of your community by joining in the markets around you and celebrate with your home town neighbors can be so rewarding. Not to mention you will gain the best food and glean a few tips and tricks along the way.

With my side of the family, the thanksgiving day preparations begin early in the day as my mom usually makes breakfast for everyone while subsequently beginning the earliest preparations of the big dinner later in the day.  Usually the Macy's parade is on in the background as everyone else begins to wake up (usually due to the smell of breakfast cooking and bacon) and join in on the days events. My Dad, usually preparing weeks in advance, is beginning the years intricate preparation for the turkey, it is always something different be it brined, slow roasted, baked, grilled, smoked, or deep fried. (Important Note: After you have deep fried your turkey and subsequently left your frying oil outside to cool, take ample measure to keep your cooled turkey oil away from your dogs. Speaking from personal experience, that is a situation you want to avoid!)

As a young married couple in the family, we are usually tasked with prep work and side dishes, but these are no small tasks for the meal. Side dishes are just as important to the feast as the meat and with these simple tricks and updates to classic sides, you can elevate them to be show stoppers:

Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are the simplest addition to elevate your dishes. I have found market herbs to be fresher and less expensive than herbs found at the grocery store. You can even buy potted herbs cultivated in your local area that will be sturdy enough to survive in your home and environment. Most iconic Thanksgiving herbs are Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage. For drink and dessert stations, a bowl of chopped Mint will give your guests a refreshing treat before and after the meal.

Stuffing: I have found the simplest way to elevate the flavor of stuffing, even a store bought mix, is adding in jarred pesto and minced garlic. In one box of stuffing mix, I add 2 Tbs pesto and 1 Tbs minced garlic. Mix in during the cooking process and you will have a fresh flavor for this classic dish.

Mashed Potatoes: My ultimate side dish elevation is incorporating browned butter into your mashed potatoes. It will lend to a richer, nuttier flavor. Once you try it, you will never go back to potatoes without it. The recipe is featured below.

The Recipe
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes (Serves 6-8)

8 Potatoes peeled and diced largely
2 sticks of Butter (1 Cup)
1 Tbs fresh chopped sage
1 Tbs. minced garlic
1 tsp fresh thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup+ milk, chicken broth, or vegetable broth

In a large pot add the potatoes and fill with water enough to cover the potatoes. Boil until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain your cooked potatoes into a colander and set aside. In your pot add the butter and melt over medium low heat. Watch your butter carefully as to not allow it burn and continue to cook the butter just until it turns caramel in color, at this point you will begin to smell the nutty flavor it gives. Mix in your herbs and spices and reduce the heat to low. Once the herbs are incorporated add your milk or broth. Mash in your potatoes until smooth and well incorporated. If too thick, add additional milk or broth 1/4 cup at a time.

The Pairing
Thanksgiving is all about spending time with your family; unfortunately not everyone enjoys being around certain members of their family. This is exactly how James Dean feels about his family in 1955's Rebel Without a Cause. Dean and his teenage friends think that parents are the same, no matter the time or the place, they don't understand that kids are going to make mistakes, they just don't understand. Dean's performance and the film itself is one of the most iconic films of all time as well as a timeless representation of the family dynamics between parents and children. It is also fast paced and intense, perfect for keeping you awake after a big Thanksgiving meal. -Z