One of the most important things about the holidays is…the food. The fine points of the holiday table come and go at my house. Some years, it’s sweet potatoes making an appearance or Brussels sprouts. Regardless, there is a solid core of holiday dishes that are included every year. I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes from around the web for my perfect holiday staples.

Turkey

In the battle for the perfect Thanksgiving meal, I am firmly on Team Turkey. I don't really eat pork, so ham is out...and that leaves the noble turkey. Make your turkey however you want to make it. Deep-fried, baked, broiled. Do your thing.

Green Bean Casserole

Possibly my favorite, at its very core, made of two cans of green beans, one can condensed cream of mushroom soup, and a can of French’s fried onions. For a simple recipe, try this one, and for something a little fancier, try this one.

Mashed Potatoes

Every holiday table needs a potato, preferably mashed. I think this year we’re going to end up skipping out on the white potatoes and swap for mashed sweet potato, but I know we’re in the minority. Again, fancy options here…and something a little more traditional here.

Stuffing

I will admit right now…I hate stuffing. I always have. But it’s important! It’s at every big holiday! So, I called up some friends, and they recommended this one or this one. We're throwing Thanksgiving at our house this year (#adulting), so I guess that I'm going to need to learn to love it.

Marshmallow Salad

I’m not sure if other families do this, but my family has always had a marshmallow salad. It’s one of those good Midwestern traditions that come to us courtesy of the 1960s when anything could be covered in cool whip and called a salad. My recipe is here.

Cranberry Sauce

Don’t buy the cranberry log that comes in the can. You know what I mean. The schluck it makes sliding out of the can that sounds like a wet fart. Nope. Not your table. It’s not 1960 anymore…she says, hocking marshmallow salad like it’s my job. Make your own. It’s super easy. Recipes here and here.

Pie

Pie is a lost art. There is a skill to rolling out a pie crust and crafting a perfectly not too runny, not too thick filling. Nothing beats pumpkin pie at the holidays, and we’re going to be having one, but it’s not the only pie on the table this year. My new favorite is “Harvest Pie”, loaded with apples, cranberries, pears, and the secret — candied ginger. Check out the recipe here. Sticking with pumpkin? Try an easy version (like this one…pretty much dump the can out) or this more culinarily inclined version.

Seasons eatings!