The stories are what I remember the most.
Everyone gathered around my Grandma Mary Jane’s dining table set with her best crystal and china—that I now have. The ambrosia salad that she’d make just for me. Helping my Aunt Jill make the relish tray and sneaking the squeeze cheese minus the celery.
But the best part of Thanksgiving was my Grandma M.J. retelling the same stories each year, with the same style and wit as if it was the first. Her memories of when my mom and and her siblings were young. No matter how many times we’d heard the story, the entire table would wait anxiously, grinning from ear to ear, and roar in laughter at the punch line.
No one could tell a story like Grandma MJ. Except for Uncle Tom, whose laugh was positively booming and infectious, and whose motto is, “I’m on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it.”
Ah, words to live by.
Lucky for you, I’ve started—just barely—to move out of my ambrosia salad phase.
This green bean recipe was from the first real Thanksgiving I cooked on my own. The day started with family, bagels on the beach and surfing.
It ended with my husband’s coveted Baked Corn casserole erupting into Baked Corn Flambé and Tom the turkey making his post-oven debut at 9:30 p.m. Damn pop-up timers.
Let’s just say the martinis made the wait a lot easier .
But that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. It’s about creating the memories to share with family and friends around a table, with the same story and the same punch line, for years to come.
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Green Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms
Ingredients
- Bon Appetit Magazine November 2001
- 6 tablespoons butter ¾ stick
- 2 shallots sliced thinly
- 2 pounds fresh green beans trimmed
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2/3 cup low-fat chicken broth
Instructions
- Over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a sauté pan. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl.
- In same pan, sauté onion and garlic in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter for 2 minutes.
- Add green beans and chicken broth. Simmer until liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes.
- Add mushrooms back into pan and warm through.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.
And now, please enjoy a few more side dishes that just might outshine memories of the bird.
photo > Spoon Fork Bacon
I mean really. Really? How can ANYONE pass by and not stop and stare at these butterliciously-pooled mounds of Spoon Fork Bacon‘s Heavenly Mashed Potatoes ? Jenny knows how to throw down the styling and Teri Lyn schools the drools with her heavenly photo skillz.
photo > Cookin’ Canuck
Being Canadian gets Dara two Thanksgivings each year. That why Cookin’ Canuck‘s Roasted Cauliflower with Indian Spices adds a spicy-spruce-up to the T-day table. Yeah, she’s a pro.
photo > Back to Her Roots
Oh honey, I hear your pain! Like me, Cassie wasn’t a fan of Brussels sprouts, but after creating the maple & balsamic roasted Roasted Brussles Sprouts with Bacon and Apples, she became a convert. Looks like there’s hope for me yet.
photo > Flavia’s Flavors
I’ve been stalking Flavia’s Flavor‘s recipe for Cranberry Pomegranate Relish all week (check out this great how-to for seeding those beautiful buggers ) thanks to Flavia’s marriage of the old dodger cranberry with the hottie ingredient of the moment Miss Pom. Ah, true love, no pre-nup required.
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Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Love the 1st pic of the green beans. The vertical, long, beans are just so perfectly accentuated with your photography. GREAT CLICK!
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray says
Wow, thanks so much for the shout-out to my pomegranate tutorial :) These look like some awesome side dishes—those potatoes? Oh. my. goodness.
Bev Weidner says
You somehow made green beans look like the sexiest vegetable on the planet. Seriously. When can we get together and play?
Amayzin’ pictures.
ihateyou.
KIDDING.
sortof.
marla says
You are right girl, it is all about creating those memories & keeping a great big smile on your face. Those buttery mashed potatoes…OMG!!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
love all of these!!
kelley says
All about memories and traditions. That’s why I LOVE Thanksgiving! Every one of these side dishes has me salivating!
Maria says
It’s all about the sides since I don’t do turkey:)
Melissa // thefauxmartha says
I love how you recount Thanksgivings past. And I love these simple sides. Cheers to new Thanksgiving memories!
Yvette ~ Muy Bueno says
I think I’ll be adding the Cranberry Pomegranate Relish to our menu this year! YUM! Happy Thanksgiving! Salud!
Mrs. Measurement says
Yum! All these side dishes look amazing. I can’t wait to try the Green Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms
out. It seems healthy and light.
heidi says
The green bean recipe is really light, and you can use as much or as little butter as you like. Unless you’re my husband. Then it’s just MORE BUTTER.
[email protected] says
Your story is so beautiful, I remember listening to similar tales when I was a little girl, especially around Christmas where more of our extended family would get together. That mash potato and beans look dreamy! Perfect with a juicy roast.
heidi says
It’s what the holidays are all about don’t you think? Thanks for the comment. :) Yum. Roast.
Cookie and Kate says
Great recipe and selections, Heidi! Honestly, I never liked Thanksgiving much, but that’s because I wasn’t eating recipes like these. Yum to all!
heidi says
Oh, that’s so sweet Kate! Seems like your blog would be plenty to inspire you. Beaut!
Jt Clough | Big Island Dog says
Once again, I am inspired. Gonna get the things I need on my list and start making them. I personally think Thanksgiving should be on a daily basis. Eat food that’s good for you, and give thanks for so many things we have in our lives.
For some reason I’m bad with coming up with food ideas but lately I’m looking like I’m super healthy cook because of your blog! :)
Aloha Wags!
mjskit says
These are all fabulous recipes! My husband asks for green beans for Thanksgiving and I think I just found the recipe! Great post!
heidi says
Oh good! From my husband to yours: eat lots.
Jeanette says
What I love most about Thanksgiving is that all families celebrate it in their own personal way. It’s one occasion when multi-generations sit at the same table and catch up and share stories. Side dishes are definitely my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner – love all the gorgeous photos!
Cookin' Canuck says
I could easily live by your Uncle Tom’s philosophy. Well said, indeed! I can’t think of a better way to liven up green beans than by pairing them with shiitake mushrooms (my favorite). Thanks so much for including my cauliflower recipe, Heidi.
Erin says
I know and love that booming laugh! Your post has taken me down memory lane. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Looking forward to the launch…
heidi says
Ahh, Erin! Will I see you this week? I think T-bone is coming. More stories to share! XOXO
Deborah says
My grandma had a sticker on her fridge when I was growing up that had the seafood/see food saying on it. So every time I hear that, I think of her! These green beans look like the perfect side for Thanksgiving!
Lesa Cote says
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