Cranberry Casserole
Here at Kentucky Monthly, we often refer to our fellow employees as our “work family.” This is accurate in a number of ways: We spend quite a bit of time together, we laugh together (a lot!), we often eat together, we exchange personal stories, and occasionally, we disagree, much as blood relatives do.
This year for Thanksgiving—perhaps the most family-oriented of all holidays—we are sharing with you some of our favorite side-dish recipes. It’s our small way of thanking you for reading our magazine and for being part of the extended Kentucky Monthly family. Happy Thanksgiving!
This a Vest family favorite! My son Christopher requests it for every family meal. -Kay, circulation & business manager
This is a recipe passed down from my mother-in-law, Mary Gerstle. It originally appeared in the Louisville Times. -Walt, gardening columnist
I brought a dish similar to this one to Thanksgiving at my in-laws one year. Family members eyed it with skepticism and reached past it for some meat and stuffing. That was fortunate for me, since I was able to continue to eat it for several days. Like my Thanksgiving salad from years ago, this one lasts for days and is so good, I’ll make it the next time I take a dish to a Thanksgiving dinner. And if people are too put off to taste it, well that’s okay—it’s more for me. But trust me: you’ll like this. -Dana, food columnist
Although my sister likes to take credit for this recipe, I’m sure she didn’t dream it up, but found it in one of her numerous cookbooks. My family and I love this dish as an alternative to the typical sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping (some of us are not marshmallow fans). It’s a wonderfully sweet side that pairs perfectly with either turkey or ham. - Patty, associate editor
This delicious gelatin treat is served as a side dish at every holiday get together in our family. There is even a “special” bowl that was purchased just for this salad. -Kelli, art director
These rolls are a great addition to any family meal. At Thanksgiving they are perfect with just a little butter or a slice of country ham! -Lindsey, director of retail sales
There’s no need to wait until after you’re stuffed to enjoy the flavors of pumpkin pie—the best part of Thanksgiving, in my opinion. A relatively new addition to my family’s holiday table, this super-easy side dish tastes deceptively like dessert. -Kim, executive editor
This is not just one of my favorites but seems to be everyone else’s also. My aunt Julie always brings it to Thanksgiving dinner, and there are never any leftovers. -Rebecca, graphic artist
When I moved to Kentucky from Oregon, corn pudding was on my list of “strange things Kentuckians eat.” However, it quickly made its way to my list of “things I cannot live without.” It even was served at our wedding. -Marilee, account executive
If you know me, you are probably aware of my love for chocolate and all things dessert! Thanksgiving would not being complete without a piece of my granny’s chocolate pie. I even sneak a piece before everyone goes through the line and put it at my seat to make sure I have some to enjoy after dinner. -Lindsey, director of retail sales
Pumpkin Roll with Nutmeg Sauce
Pumpkin roll is something my mom has always made to take to holiday get-togethers around Thanksgiving and Christmastime. I don’t usually like nuts, but I eat this anyway because it’s so good. (Also, my mom won’t leave out the nuts since they’re one of her favorite parts of the recipe). I like to help her make a pumpkin roll so that I can eat the leftover filling. My dad and I are really good at that part … -Rebecca, graphic artist