As the holiday season approaches, families across the country are busy preparing for their Thanksgiving feasts. One of the most cherished traditions during this time is the sharing of beloved side dishes that have been passed down through generations. News 19 recently held a Side Dish Showcase, inviting viewers to submit their favorite recipes for a chance to be featured on their morning newscast leading up to Thanksgiving.

Throughout November, the station encouraged home cooks to share their most treasured side dish recipes. The excitement culminated in a showcase where the winning chefs were invited to present their dishes live on air. Among the standout recipes featured this year was Brandon Prestridge’s Firehouse Cornbread Casserole, which delighted the morning hosts and viewers alike.

Brandon’s Firehouse Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines a variety of ingredients, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving meal. Here’s how to make this crowd-pleaser:

Firehouse Cornbread Casserole

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 can of pinto beans
• 1 can of great northern beans
• 6-8 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 large pan of cornbread
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 1-2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1-2 cups of hamburger dill pickles, chopped
• 1 ½ cups of mayonnaise
• ½ cup of pickle juice (from the diced pickles)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Begin by emptying the cans of pinto and northern beans into a large sauce pot and add one can full of water. Heat until thoroughly warmed.
2. Prepare a large pan of cornbread ahead of time and crumble it into pieces once cooked.
3. In a bowl, mix the pickle juice and mayonnaise together, whisking until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more mayonnaise for thickness or more pickle juice for a thinner dressing.
4. In a large bowl or dutch oven, layer half of the crumbled cornbread at the bottom. Pour half of the beans along with their juice over this layer.
5. Add the remaining crumbled cornbread followed by the remaining beans and juice.
6. Top with the chopped onions, tomatoes, and pickles, then pour the mayonnaise and pickle juice mixture over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon on top.
7. This dish can be served hot or cold, making it versatile for any gathering.

On another exciting day of the showcase, Kiara Cooper presented her delightful Sweet Potato Dumplings, which were a hit among the hosts. This sweet and comforting dish is perfect for those looking to add a twist to their Thanksgiving table.

Sweet Potato Dumplings

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 frozen sweet potato patties
• 1 package of crescent rolls (8 count)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of sugar
• 6 tablespoons of butter
• ½ tablespoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the bottom of a Pyrex dish with cooking spray.
2. Cut the frozen sweet potato patties in half. Open the crescent rolls and separate the triangles.
3. Place each sweet potato half on the wide side of each triangle and roll it up, tucking in the ends as you go. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they can be a bit rustic.
4. Arrange the rolled dumplings in the baking dish with the pointy end facing down.
5. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, butter, cornstarch, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture thickens. Pour this sauce over the dumplings in the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top for added sweetness.
7. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

These sweet potato dumplings are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving spread, providing a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

The Side Dish Showcase not only highlights the culinary talents of local chefs but also fosters a sense of community and tradition as families gather to celebrate together. As the holiday season approaches, these recipes serve as a reminder of the joy that food brings to our gatherings and the memories that are created around the dining table.

For those looking to impress their guests this Thanksgiving, both the Firehouse Cornbread Casserole and Sweet Potato Dumplings are sure to become new favorites in your holiday recipe repertoire.

Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and festive ideas as we continue to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving and the joy of sharing food with loved ones.