When you think of Thanksgiving dinner most people think of cooking a turkey – think of it – one roasted in the oven. After all, turkey is the star of the show! But Thanksgiving is not a one man show. Just like a good movie, play or book, the supporting cast of characters has a huge role in making it a Thanksgiving dinner to remember or just another dinner.

And when you plan your Thanksgiving dinner menu, make sure you have a variety of foods incorporating different colors, taste, textures and temperatures to fill your guest’s plates. Depending on the number of guests you may want to serve one or more of these choices: For potatoes at a large dinner I make both Sweet Potatoes and a Creamy Mash Potato recipe. If it is an intimate dinner, I serve a roasted turkey breast with Twice Baked Potatoes. As far as green salads go, I like to make an Apple & Spinach Salad with a sweet cider dressing. Fresh Green Beans with Lemon and Almonds, Maple Glazed Carrots and Marinated Asparagus all complement the meal. You will want to have a Cranberry Relish on your table and maybe a Cranberry Salad too. They are all load with flavor and a healthy choice for your table. Last but not least, don’t forget the stuffing. I make a traditional Sage Stuffing that is part of my family tradition, always a hit!