Whether you are making a ham, turkey or another main dish for the upcoming holidays, do not forget about the all important side dishes.

Side dishes can range from starches to vegetables or salads. Side dishes can express a family heritage, regional favorites or a fusion of multiple cuisines. Also, these dishes can help enhance the presentation and overall feel of the holiday table.

This year, try to incorporate seasonal colors, texture and theme throughout the meal. This can be applied by using various serving bowls, platter and ornamental center pieces. In the dishes, you can use various holiday inspired seasonings such as bay, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg.

Recipe: Apricot Stuffing

Ingredients:

2 cups finely chopped dried apricots

6 tbsp apple cider

½ cup heavy cream

2 eggs, beaten

4 cups cubed white bread

¾ cup finely chopped pistachio nuts

4 shallots, finely chopped

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tbsp finely chopped sage

1 stalk celery, finely chopped

½ tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

1 tsp poultry seasoning

Directions:

In a large bowl, soak the apricots in apple juice until tender. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream and eggs until light and fluffy and add remaining ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Bake mixture in a large pan at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the bread has absorbed the cream mixture and is golden brown.

Lastly, do not forget dessert. This course can easily showcase the local fruits, cheese and beverages of where you live. For example, use locally grown produce to make a pie, tart or cake. Fun family memories can be made by picking and cleaning the fruit together to make a lovely end to a great day.

Apple and Cranberry Crisp

Ingredients:

3 apples, peeled, cored and sliced

3 pears, peeled, cored and sliced

¾ cup fresh cranberries

8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into teaspoons small pieces

1 cup flour

1 tbsp flour

¾ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

¼ tsp mace

½ tsp cinnamon

1 lemon, juiced

1 lemon, zested

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly butter a 13x9x2 pan. Toss lemon juice, zest, sugar, cinnamon, mace and 1 tbsp flour together. In another bowl mix together remaining flour (1 cup), oats and butter.

Pour fruit mixture into pan and sprinkle oat mixture over as the topping. Place in oven and bake until oats are even toasted and fruit can be pierced with an inserted knife.

(Optional: you may add ½ cup of nuts if desired to fruit mixture)

While planning your menu for the holidays, do not forget about the all important side dishes that can add character and charm to your meal. By using timeless family recipes, holiday inspired seasonings and local produce; you can make a meal of memories to last for a lifetime.

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