Start a New Tradition

Don't be afraid to try something different when planning your holiday menu.

Q: What can I do for a Thanksgiving side dish? I'm sick of mashed potatoes. A: Repetition helps make tradition, so beware. Changing the status quo of the Thanksgiving table is serious business. Move slowly, and present the new in an offhand manner -- "Oh, look what I found! Creamy turnips! We'll just put them in the kitchen, not on the buffet." Give it time, and if the dish is deserving, it'll become a staple. Start with these yams and mashed turnips.

Spiced Yams
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons dark molasses
1 tablespoons dark rum
1 teaspoon fresh minced chile pepper
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter
4 yams, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch squares
2 tart apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch squares
1/2 tsp. salt


What to Do
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine first 6 ingredients. Set aside.

2. Melt butter in large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add yams, tossing to brown. Add apples and toss; remove from heat. Drizzle cider mixture over yams and apples; toss. Sprinkle with salt.

3. Bake until tender, about 15 minutes. Toss every 5 minutes, adding more cider if necessary to avoid sticking.

Serves 8

See more Thanksgiving side dishes.