Thanksgiving: Veggies!

Ok, I know that vegetables are not usually the focus of Thanksgiving dinners. In my own family, we refer to the lone (non-mashed and full of cream) vegetable as "the green vegetable" and it's kind of a bummer if that's what you get assigned to bring. However, veggies get a bad rap, and there are a lot of ways to make some pretty festive side dishes. Here are a couple veggie side dishes from the archives that may be holiday appropriate.

Rosemary Roasted Beets

The caveat with this recipe is that it is the very thing that cemented the fact that I just flat out do not like beets (note the piles of feta with which I tried to camouflage the actual beets for myself). However, I can recognize that it is a good recipe, because I liked it better than all my previous beet experiences. I also think this is a pretty unique flavor combination for a beet dish, which makes it seem kind of special and holiday-ish. The roasted beets smelled amazing, and I think the rosemary flavor would nicely complement other Thanksgiving dishes. If you are a member of a beet loving family, this may be for you!
http://yellowfishblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/beet-bonanza.html

Cherry Walnut Spinach

Originally I served this with Israeli couscous, but I think on its own it would make a nice side dish. The cherries make it seem festive, but it's not actually that much work (which is the balance you're trying to strike, really).
http://yellowfishblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/cherry-walnut-spinach-with-israeli.html

Sautéed Walnut Brussel Sprouts

This is a good dish for a holiday meal, because it doesn't use valuable oven space, and can be cooked really quickly right before everything is served. Now, your childhood self might be revolting at the thought of brussel sprouts, but really, I promise, these are delicious.

http://yellowfishblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/super-easy-walnut-brussel-sprouts.html