An entrée is certainly the highlight of a meal, but nothing compliments that dish like a perfect side. Whether it is a family favorite or something new from a recipe collection, we are all spoiled to a good dish that complements our chosen main food of the meal. This Sides and Such book contains a selection of recipes that will provide that dish.
For your convenience, we have divided this book into sections by the most popular side dish ingredients, with “potatoes” standing alone in its own section due to the reliance on and popularity of this vegetable as a side dish ingredient. You will be surprised at how easy some of these side dishes are to prepare while providing some different tastes than you’re probably accustomed to having. That is the beauty and vast range of side dishes.
You will also find that most of these recipes are easily doubled or tripled which make them popular for pot lucks, reunions and family dinners. Too, the ingredients are readily available or easily substituted to suit your taste preferences. Dig into these recipes and offer up some variety to the same old sides you’ve always served. You’ll be glad you did - and so will everyone else at your table.
While it may be simple to decide on a main dish for every meal, the side dish challenge often results in our rampaging through the cabinets, freezer or refrigerator in search of something to “go with.” At anyone’s table, it is the well-chosen, well-prepared side dish that completes the meal. We too often serve the same dishes time-after-time.
The old belief was that a complete meal includes a starch and a vegetable or fruit side, but today’s table is open to any combination of dishes for a meal. Not only have the choices broadened but so have the methods of preparing dishes. Still, most side dishes will fit into one of five categories:
* Potatoes: A recent survey of side dishes listed the potato as the one ingredient mentioned most often for a side dish. Potatoes are abundant, easy to cook and extremely versatile. Potatoes are also one of the healthiest of the vegetable family, loaded with vitamins and minerals that are needed for optimum health.
* Pastas: Pastas offer a great variety, and like the potato, do offer nutritional benefits when eaten properly and in moderation. Pasta comes in many shapes, sizes and flavors, and they can be served in thousands of ways as side dishes.
* Rice and other grains: Another popular side dish ingredient is rice. Today, however, there are several other grains, such as orzo, bulgur or quinoa that have tripled our choice for healthy side dishes. Many of these dishes seem extravagant or exotic, but they aren’t.
* Vegetables: Perhaps the healthiest of all the popular side dishes, vegetables are necessary to healthy living. Not only do they provide the greatest supply of nutrition for our bodies, but they enhance the performance of it, too.
* Fruits: We tend to think of fruit as a dessert ingredient, but most of them are very suitable for inclusion in side dishes. Not just for salads, fruits can be cooked alone or combined with other fruits, grains or vegetables to make perfect side dishes.
Sides and Such recipes range from simple to elegant, perfect for a tailgate party or a formal dinner with friends. Ingredients and combinations of ingredients offer a wide variety of recipes to cover all taste preferences and dish requirements.
There is no set number of side dishes or no set parameters for which dishes are served with certain entrees. Break the imagination barriers and try new things - you’ll be wonderfully surprised, and your guests will be praising your culinary talents for months to come.
Pick up your copy today... Enjoy!
