Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Ingredients:

bacon pieces
fresh pearl onions
1/2 cup of red vinegar
2 Tbs. sugar
2 Tbs. brown sugar
fresh tarragon leaves

Preparation:

Fry up some bacon pieces and peel some fresh pearl onions ahead of time. Place the onions in a bowl of hot water, let them soak for awhile and the peels will slide right off.

When it's time to get dinner ready, just toss the bacon and onions in a skillet and saute. Add vinegar, sugar, brown sugar and some fresh tarragon leaves. Cook until the liquid reduces and the onions are caramelized.

Blanch fresh green beans and Brussels sprouts in boiling water for about 2-1/2 minutes, depending on the amount. Next, brown butter in large pan and add a couple of tablespoons each of sage and lemon zest.

Add the blanched beans and sprouts and toss well to heat. Top with some toasted almonds.

Grits is another great side dish that can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated. Just throw about a cup of cheddar cheese into your favorite grits recipe. Chill the grits in the refrigerator until firm.

To finish for dinner, use a cookie cutter to cut the grits into individual servings. Brown the grits in a skillet with a little butter.