Category Archives: Side Dishes

Peach Ricotta Fruit Salad

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This is one of my most versatile recipes. So much so, that I almost didn’t know what to call it. Is it a fruit salad? A pudding? Who cares, it’s delicious! Creamy lemon and vanilla-scented ricotta forms the bed for bright, juicy peaches that are the essence of summer flavor. Passion fruit vinegar adds a unique tropical note and olive oil and basil lend it fresh from the garden quality. I originally made this dish to have for breakfast in the summer, but spread the ricotta in a shallow bowl and top with all of the peaches and it makes a fantastic fruit salad for a picnic or BBQ.  The ricotta can be made in advance and kept for several days in the refrigerator.

Peaches

2 1/2 lbs peaches, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces

1 teaspoon sugar Continue reading →

Ruby Port Cranberry Sauce

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My friend Rachel’s Ruby Port Cranberry Sauce is an absolute favorite of mine! Not only is the perfect traditional accompaniment to turkey, but it makes a fantastic appetizer too. I absolutely love this with a bit of triple cream brie or goat cheese on some crusty French bread or water crackers.  And when it comes to leftovers, try adding this to a grilled brie sandwich. Yum! Continue reading →

Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar Pecan Streusel

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Everything great about pecan pie and sweet potato casserole comes together in this recipe.  This is the one Thanksgiving side I’m never “allowed” to skip.  Interestingly, it is the former sweet potato-haters in my life who are now the most insistent that I make it every year.  Probably because I, like them, can’t stand the sickly-sweet marshmallows on top of a traditional sweet potato casserole.  But the nutty streusel in this recipe is just the right balance.  It still tastes like dessert sneaking it’s way into the savory course of the meal, but it isn’t going to give you a cavity!  Continue reading →

Peas & Pancetta

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Peas & Pancetta is one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides.  Be sure to use petite peas as they are sweeter than full size peas and make a better balance for the salty pancetta.  I like to use the pre-diced pancetta from Trader Joe’s. It just makes life easier and around Thanksgiving I’ll take very ounce of easier I can get!  Continue reading →