Friday, November 28, 2025

Some Nice Thanksgiving Sides

 Wondering what goes great with roast turkey? Look no further. Here are a few Kelly favorites!

Sparkling Gelatin Salad


2 envelopes unflavored gelatin

1 1/2 cups fruity soda or ginger beer*

1 1/2 cups white grape juice

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups canned madarin oranges, drained

1 cup seedless green grapes, halved

3/4 cup fresh raspberries

coconut oil (or cooking spray)

*Original recipe called for Riesling wine here. I like to use Hansen or Izzy orange, or Fever Tree ginger beer.

    Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of the soda.

    Combine grape juice and sugar in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mixture, stirring until the gelatin dissolves. Place pan in a large ice-filled bowl. Let stand 10 minutes, stir in the rest of the soda. Wait another ten minutes or until it is thick, but not set. Whisk to form small bubbles. Fold in the fruits.  Pour or spoon into a 5-cup decorative mold coated with coconut oil or cooking spray. Cover and chill at least 4 hours. 

    When ready to serve, warm slightly in a large bowl of water. Place a plate upside down on top of mold, and invert carefully. Maybe give it a gentle shake to help it drop onto the plate. Yield 12 small slices.

    NOTE: Double this recipe to fill a standard bundt pan if you want to feed a crowd.

Broccoli Salad

3-4 cups broccoli pieces

1/2 cup red onion, chopped

1 lb bacon, fried crisp, chopped


1/2 cup sunflower meats

1-2 cups red grapes, halved

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

    Cut the raw bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and fry it up. Drain on paper towels. Add everything to a large bowl. Whisk the dressing together and stir it into the collection in the bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    NOTE: This salad has endless variations. You can leave out the bacon and use vegannaise for vegans. You can use raisins or Craysins instead of grapes. Sunflower seeds are optional. I've seen it done with little cubes of cheese and no fruits at all. Follow your whimsy!