Thanksgiving side dishes we love

Year after year, these dishes have a place on our Thanksgiving table

By Kate Shatzkin

November 19, 2008

Pat's Sage Stuffing calls for plenty of melted butter. (Photo by Algerina Perna, Styled by Kate Shatzkin / November 5, 2008)

Yes, there will be a turkey on almost every table a week from tomorrow. But, to us, the side dishes are what make it Thanksgiving.

In many a family, there's a non-negotiable casserole, stuffing, puree or pudding that appears year after year, withstanding the march of time and trends. These dishes send the message that though the people sitting around the table may change, the meaning of the holiday meal they share endures.

In our Thanksgiving issue today, three of us share the recipes for our traditional Thanksgiving sides and the stories behind them, hoping you'll enjoy them as much as we do.

• Carrot Souffle instead of a sweet potato dish