Exams, projects, essays, and presentations are all right around the corner. As usual, the weeks before Thanksgiving seem to be the busiest for college students. We're busting our asses to get the work done so we can go home and spend a long weekend with our family and friends.
But, most importantly, to eat that yearly feast we so fondly call Thanksgiving. We'll continue to let that dry turkey that sits proudly in the center of the table think that it's the best part of the meal. But deep down, we all know the best part: side dishes. Here are six side dishes that are better than turkey.
1. Stuffing
I don't care if this is the stuffing that was stuffed in the turkey. I don't care if it's from a box, homemade, or whatever special ingredients you add to it. Stuffing is the saving grace of Thanksgiving. Add some cranberry sauce in to sweeten it up. Eat some with a fork full of mashed potatoes. Top it on some turkey; it goes with everything.
2. Mashed Potatoes
There's something about American culture and potatoes. I love mashed potatoes too much to analyze it. I'll be too busy loading my plate up with a mountain of homemade, garlic and rosemary, slightly lumpy mashed potatoes and dancing in my seat.
3. Cranberry Sauce
People have strong opinions on cranberry sauce. Do you love it or hate it? Jellied or sauce? Either way, it's good on turkey and perfect on leftover Thanksgiving sandwiches.
4. Antipasto
My family isn't Italian, but my best friend is. Over the years, I've heard time and time again how the antipasto is her favorite part. I know it's a course and not a side dish, but I've been jealous of this antipasto experience for years.
5. Rolls
Again, homemade or from a Pillsbury cylinder of Grands, the bread is one of the most important parts for me. Don't be shy on Thanksgiving. Do you want to eat three at dinner? Go for it, I encourage it. Want to make a leftover sandwich right before you go Black Friday shopping, even though it's only been a few hours since you ate? All the more power to you. You'll need all your strength to battle those crowds.
6. Sweet Potatoes
It took me years to realize that a lot of people have strong opinions about sweet potatoes, especially how they're prepared for Thanksgiving. Are you a marshmallow topping family, or a cinnamon pecan sauce family? As long as you pile them high on your place, I encourage you to request both this year.
