Hi Friend,

I can hardly believe how fast this year is flying by! This week we're all about prepping for both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, which are happening close to each other this year. First comes Thanksgiving, which we have started calling "Sides-giving."

Our family decided to go meatless for the holidays (we are including dairy and eggs on our menu). That means we're all about delicious side dishes... because honestly? The sides are our favorite part! I'm sharing a few of our favorites below, as well as a latke tutorial for those of you looking to make some perfect, crispy potato pancakes.

More Hanukkah dishes coming soon... stay tuned!

 

PUMPKIN CHALLAH - This recipe is sweet, but not cloying, and would make a unique and beautiful addition to the Thanksgiving or Hanukkah table. Top it with melty butter and honey for extra deliciousness. And here's the best part—it makes mind-blowingly delicious Challah French ToastRECIPE HERE or PIN IT for later.

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY PERFECT LATKES - Ever wondered how to make perfectly cooked, crispy and delicious potato latkes? Having trouble getting your latkes to stick together and fry up light and crisp? This post and video will walk you through the whole process, with links to time-tested recipes that produce amazing latkes every time! (Skip the schmaltz if you're going meatless this year.) RECIPE HERE or PIN IT for later. 

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER GRATINYou know those crispy bits of tasty baked cheese or sauce left around the edge of a casserole? We fight over them in my family. Who can resist scraping up that last bit of crunchy goodness? The French actually have a word for it – gratin. It was originally derived from another French word, the verb "gratter" meaning "to scrape." This roasted cauliflower gratin is always a crowd pleaser! RECIPE HERE.

KEFTES DE ESPINACA - With Hanukkah and Thanksgiving being so close this year, these Sephardic keftes are a timely addition to the holiday table! We'll be making these as one of our "Sides-giving" dishes; it works as a meatless side, as well as a main dish. RECIPE HERE.

CHALLAH SLOW COOKER STUFFING - This is my family's favorite stuffing recipe, and this year we're making it without sausage, using no-chicken broth. I love how it frees up oven space for other recipes! RECIPE HERE.

MATZO CRISP WITH PEAR, APPLE AND CRANBERRIESWho says you need to wait for Passover to enjoy matzo? It's a great substitute for breadcrumbs and makes a delicious topping for a fruit crisp. This simple and crave-worthy recipe for Matzo Crisp with Pear, Apple and Cranberries is a seasonal and scrumptious option for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, or just because. RECIPE HERE or PIN IT for later. 

THANKSGIVING CIDER SANGRIA - A seasonal Thanksgiving holiday sangria with apple cider, red wine, harvest fruits and spices. Add this crisp, cold and delicious beverage to your holiday spread! RECIPE HERE or PIN IT for later. 

For more frequent updates, friend me on Facebook or say hi on Instagram. I'm also on Pinterest, Twitter, and YouTube. If you've had a chance to try any of the free recipes I've posted, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think - or post on social media. Be sure to tag @toriavey and add #TorisKitchen so I can see.

Kind Regards,

Tori Avey
ToriAvey.com