Thanksgiving in my family isn’t exactly predictable. A child of divorce, I alternate between my parents from year to year; hosts change frequently, and with them the guests around the table, the group dynamic, the quality of conversation. But a few things are guaranteed, no matter where I am or who I’m with: There will be turkey; there will be stuffing; there will be cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and pie.
These aren’t really dishes we eat year-round (or, in my case, on virtually any day other than Thanksgiving), so striking that balance of familiar and delicious is of paramount importance. From the best caramelized sweet potatoes you’ve ever tasted to a classic fluffy and moist sausage stuffing to a “pumpkin” pie made with deeply roasted butternut squash (which doesn’t sound traditional, but it is!), here’s how to do it right.
