[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” box_shadow_on_row=”no”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Years ago, when making our family’s traditional Thanksgiving dinner, I began to realize that I was using butter on the turkey, butter in the stuffing, butter in the mashed potatoes, some creamy mushroom soup out of a can for the green bean casserole, and butter on the rolls, and my relatives brought some sort of sweet potato casserole with sugar and marshmallows that, to me, was a not so pleasant dessert instead of a side dish for a meal. Finally, I realized I’m going to give my family members a heart attack with these foods loaded with saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar! I also started to realize that there were probably better-tasting dishes that I could serve with added flavor and excitement while promoting good health. With these fresh and delicious twists on traditional Thanksgiving recipes, we now truly enjoy a fulfilling meal that gives us even more reason to give thanks!

I hope you try and enjoy these great Thanksgiving side dishes!

Butternut Squash Soup with Fried Sage Leaves

This is my all-time favorite way to have butternut squash.
This soup is so loved by my entire family that we serve it as the first course for our Thanksgiving dinner. Now, this is one good reason to give thanks!
See the recipe here!

Spinach Salad with Pears and Pecans

This is one salad that everyone loves. I often choose this one to serve for a dinner party or to bring to someone’s home when I am invited as a guest. Feel free to vary the nut or fruit that you use to round out this amazing salad.
See the recipe here!

Sweet Potato Casserole

I created this recipe for Thanksgiving dinner. I was never a fan of the typical sugary sweet potato casserole with maple syrup and marshmallows. It always seemed more like a dessert than a dinner side dish to me. So, I created my own version that is plenty sweet naturally, without added sugar.
See the recipe here!

Green Beans with Hazelnuts and Orange Zest

The warmed hazelnut oil with orange zest adds a surprisingly perfect flavor to these standard vegetables. This is far more elegant and delicious and healthy than the standard cream of mushroom soup out of the can variety.
See the recipe here![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]