New Thanksgiving Sides

Caramelized Sweet Potato Casserole

Serves: 6

Cooking time: 35 minutes

What you'll need:

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 (29-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained and mashed

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 bananas, coarsely mashed

1/4 cup light brown sugar

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except bananas and brown sugar; mix well then spoon into casserole dish. Spoon bananas evenly on top, then sprinkle with brown sugar.

3. Bake 35 to 45 minutes, or until heated through and sugar is caramelized.

Kickin' Acorn Squash

Serves: 6

Cooking time: 50 minutes

What you'll need:

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 acorn squash, tops cut off, cut in half, seeds removed, cut into 2-inch chunks

1/4 cup jalapeno pepper jelly

1/4 cup maple syrup

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a large bowl, combine oil, salt, and pepper; mix well. Add squash to oil mixture; toss to coat.

3. Place on rimmed baking sheets and bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until tender.

4. In a large bowl, combine jelly and syrup. Add squash and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Cranberry Pecan Relish

Yields: 3 cups

Preparation & cooking time: 11 minutes

What you'll need:

1 seedless orange with peel left on, cut into large chunks (see Note)

1 apple, cored and cut into large chunks

2 cups fresh cranberries (see Note)

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup pecans

What to do:

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor that has been fitted with its metal cutting blade. Process 1 to 2 minutes, or until finely chopped and thoroughly mixed, scraping down sides of container as needed.

2. Serve immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and chill until ready to serve.

Notes:

There's no need to peel the oranges, 'cause we actually want bits of peel in this relish. And if you want to use frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them before processing.