Yellow Squash Soup with Curry and Ginger Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Yellow Squash Soup with Curry and Ginger Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

This time of year in the sunny south, anyone who grows squash is starting to run out of ways to use the garden surplus. You're probably sick to death of squash casserole, sauteed squash, and squash stir-fries. If you're just one step away from wondering what a squash loaf would taste like, you need rescuing, crookneck-style.

You can view this recipe here: Yellow Squash Soup with Curry and Ginger Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Sweet Corn Flour Scones Recipe by Angel Ward

Sweet Corn Flour Scones Recipe by Angel Ward

These decadent scones are a sweet surprise for a fall brunch and for holiday cheer! With homemade corn stock baked right in these little trinkets of Thanksgiving or Christmas, they sweeten any meal.

You can view this recipe here: Sweet Corn Flour Scones Recipe by Angel Ward

Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole Recipe by Hannah W.

Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole Recipe by Hannah W.

Potatoes are so common in the American diet, that it can sometimes be difficult to think of new ways to reinvent them. Low in calories and high in potassium, potatoes are a valuable staple of our kitchens. One way to spruce up potatoes for the holidays is to serve them au gratin style. Here is a simple recipe to get you started on a spectacular side for Christmas dinner.

You can view this recipe here: Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole Recipe by Hannah W.

Blue Cheese-Walnut Mashed Potatoes Recipe by Candi Fox

Blue Cheese-Walnut Mashed Potatoes Recipe

The holidays are upon us and many of us turn to the internet to look for something different to make for our family and friends. Whether you have a fancy dinner party or a good old-fashioned home cooked family get together you can find something right here.

Some form of mashed potatoes will fill most tables across the United States it’s a staple for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. Many people will be tempted to by frozen potatoes, pre-made potatoes, or instant potatoes. There is no need. With just a few minutes extra work you can make a dish that will satisfy taste buds and please pallets alike.

Something about homemade mashed potatoes is just satisfying it brings back the comfort of home and often the memories of childhood. Mashing potatoes can be a good arm work out. It’s a way to take out some frustration if need be. Enjoy this twist on a holiday classic.

You can view this recipe here: Blue Cheese-Walnut Mashed Potatoes Recipe by Candi Fox

Sausage and Sage Stuffing by Michelle Hein

Sausage and Sage Stuffing

For most people, it just wouldn’t be the holidays without stuffing. While many families have recipes that have been passed down through the generations, this recipe just might be good enough to replace your grandmother’s. Moist without being soggy and full of flavor from sage and sausage, this is a side dish that rivals the praise of the big bird. Start a new tradition this year.

You can view this recipe here: Sausage and Sage Stuffing by Michelle Hein

Shitake Mushroom Cranberry Stuffing by Beth Fitzgerald

Shitake Mushroom Cranberry Stuffing

If this is the dish you choose to take to Thanksgiving dinner, you will be the star. I have never made this stuffing that it wasn't the hit of the meal. I make it every Thanksgiving and usually on Christmas too. It goes with any poultry, pork or beef. The only thing I wouldn't pair it with is ham.

The shitakes in the recipe have a similar texture to oysters and a very rich flavor so they make a great replacement. If you are vegetarian you can substitute apple juice for the chicken stock and leave out the brown sugar.

Thanksgiving is not the time of year that we are thinking about healthy eating but let me plant this seed for when you go back for seconds. I use whole wheat bread because it gives the dressing so much more body and flavor than white bread. This dish is high in fiber from the cranberries, nuts, whole wheat bread and veges, that lessens the glycemic load. The cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and the nuts have a lot of minerals and good oils. Plus it is so delicious, even for white bread eaters.

You can view this recipe here: Shitake Mushroom Cranberry Stuffing by Beth Fitzgerald

Mediterranean Grits Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Mediterranean Grits Recipe

Examiner is way ahead of the food trend curve, reporting back in 2009 about the appearance of grits on upscale menus across the country. “Grits, the below-the-Mason-Dixon-line breakfast staple, are now making the scene in some posh places, as nouvelle Southern cuisine makes a gourmet comeback,” wrote your Gourmet Food Examiner in “Grits go gourmet.”

The grits trend shows no signs of slowing down, and while the Southern grain dish may have been a novelty item three years ago, today it is settling comfortably onto gourmet menus, becoming a staple side dish in places far from the Southern United States.

One of the best things about grits for the home chef is the fact that they blend so well with a myriad of flavors. This recipe (adapted from and courtesy of the folks at Cabot Dairy) fuses hot, creamy grits with the flavors of the Mediterranean: herbed cheese, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes and basil pesto.

Whip up Mediterranean grits as a sophisticated side when serving grilled fish, roast chicken or any lamb dish. The savory side also pairs well with more casual suppers, such as your Gourmet Food Examiner’s juicy Lamb Burgers or Rosemary Grilled Chicken Sandwiches. You can even serve Mediterranean grits for breakfast with a hearty Greek-style omelet.

You can view this recipe here: Mediterranean Grits Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Pumpkin Bread Recipe by Rachael Monaco

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Thanksgiving morning tends to be hectic in most Buffalo homes. This pumpkin bread can be baked the weekend before. Tightly wrap and refrigerate until Thanksgiving morning. Slice and toast in the toaster oven, spread with butter and honey and serve with coffee and hot chocolate for a quick breakfast.

All the ingredients for this pumpkin bread recipe, as well as all your Thankgiving and holiday grocery shopping needs can be found at Budwey's in North Tonawanda, Kenmore or Niagara Falls.

You can view this recipe here: Pumpkin Bread Recipe by Rachael Monaco

Baked Cheese Grits Recipe by Hailey Allen

Baked Cheese Grits Recipe

Grits are a traditional southern delicacy. But, to some, they can be bland and boring. Liven up your grits up with this new cheesy baked version. The addition of cheese, bacon, and a bit of sherry will surely fill up your family at breakfast and impress your guests at Sunday brunch.

You can view this recipe here: Baked Cheese Grits Recipe by Hailey Allen

Summer Bread Salad Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Summer Bread Salad Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Savory salads using leftover bread have been a staple of world cuisine for centuries. In Italy, chefs make panzanella with chunks of stale Italian bread, fresh tomatoes, basil and olive oil. Every home has their own version, possibly incorporating local ingredients like capers, onions or red wine. No matter what the mixture, though, the highlight is the once-crusty bread that soaks up the flavors and juices of the salad.

Fattoush is the Middle Eastern version of bread salad, making use of leftover bits of pita or flatbread. In-season ingredients are used to make a dish similar to tabbouleh, but with large chunks of vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, instead of the finely-chopped produce of its sister salad.

This bread salad combines the best of both the Italian and the Middle Eastern versions, using ingredients common in the States (especially in summer), with sharp cheddar for an even more American twist. Kalamata olives add a touch of the Mediterranean. The fusion elements make this a dish you could serve with food of almost any nationality.
You can view this recipe here: Summer Bread Salad Recipe by Elizabeth Kelly

Soft and Buttery Dinner Roll Recipe by Jeremy Bookmyer

Soft and Buttery Dinner Roll Recipe

The scramble to find something to make for the family is well underway. While the turkey and stuffing might be the star of the dinner, bread is an important side for any Thanksgiving meal. These rolls are soft, big, buttery and, possibly just as important, easy to make.

You can view this recipe here: Soft and Buttery Dinner Roll Recipe by Jeremy Bookmyer

Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic Recipe by Rachael Monaco

Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

If you're looking for a green bean recipe that's a little lighter than the Campbell's classic green bean casserole or the Durkee green bean casserole, you'll love this recipe with for green beans with garlic and lemon. Start a new tradition at your Thanksgiving table.

You can find all the ingredients for this recipe at all local markets such as Budwey's Tops Markets, Wegmans, Dash's Market, Pricerite, Aldi and Save-a-Lot. You may need to do a little hunting to find fresh green beans at Save-a-Lot and Aldi.

You can view this recipe here: Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic Recipe by Rachael Monaco

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Walnuts and Bacon Recipe by Melissa McKechnie

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Walnuts and Bacon Recipe

When you mention Brussel Sprouts, do your loved ones run screaming from the room? It is amazing how these little vitamin powerhouses harbor such resentment from so many people; yet, when prepared properly, they can be absolutely delicious. Throw away the visions of soggy green balls in a bowl, and try these nutty, crunchy tastes of fall. You can find them rolling off tables at any neighborhood Farmers Markets these days.
 
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Walnuts and Bacon is a great and easy side dish for any fall meal. Try it this Thanksgiving and you may have some new brussel sprout lovers in your midst. It pairs perfectly with roast turkey and dressing, and its nuttiness and smokiness goes well with sweet potatoes, and of course, a great Pinot Noir to round out the meal.

You can view this recipe here: Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Walnuts and Bacon Recipe by Melissa McKechnie

Black Forest Squash Mash Recipe by Heather King

Black Forest Squash Mash Recipe

Last week I picked up a share of farm-fresh produce from La Nay Ferme in Provo. In the weekly allotment were two black forest squash along with fresh oregano and parsley. These winter squash are excellent for baking and using in all types of hearty recipes. You can check out the squash and chicken stew infused with Indian spices I made last week. Here, I took a twist on garlic mashed potatoes, substituting the potatoes for black forest squash. The result is a creamy, warm and eye-pleasing savory side dish that would work beautifully for a Thanksgiving or other holiday meal.

You can view this recipe here: Black Forest Squash Mash Recipe by Heather King

Fresh Pesto Scones Recipe by Nicole Riner

Fresh Pesto Scones Recipe

If you don't grow your own basil (doing it in pots is about the only way to keep it alive in Laramie), you can find great bundles of this fresh herb in the produce sections of Albertsons, Safeway, and Big Hollow. And when you get sick of stirring oily pesto into your pasta, you can try this light, easy scone recipe. It works well with soups, salads, and any other meal that could use a little extra carb on the side.

You can view this recipe here: Fresh Pesto Scones Recipe by Nicole Riner

Chunky Cheese Soup Recipe by Hailey Allen

Chunky Cheese Soup

Few things are better than sitting down on a cold day or night with a hot bowl of soup. This chunky cheddar cheese soup is an easy and delicious alternative to soup out of a can.

You can view this recipe here: Chunky Cheese Soup Recipe by Hailey Allen

Hungarian Cabbage Rolls Recipe by Hailey Allen

Hungarian Cabbage Rolls

Craving comfort food but looking for something different? These Hungarian cabbage rolls are a great way to mix up your dinner routine and warm you up on a chilly winter day.

You can view this recipe here: Hungarian Cabbage Rolls Recipe by Hailey Allen

Garden Stuffed Baked Potato Recipe by Hailey Allen

Garden Stuffed Baked Potato

Serving plain baked potatoes with butter and sour cream can be a boring and cliché side to any meal. Garden stuffed baked potatoes will add flair and excitement to any main dish and show guest that potatoes can be creative.

You can view this recipe here: Garden Stuffed Baked Potato Recipe by Hailey Allen