It's All About the Sides Part One

Iroquois Prayer of Thanksgiving

This prayer comes from the Native people of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Iroquois or Haudenosanee is comprised of six Native tribes: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora, all located in New York State and Canada.
The prayer is based on the belief that the world can not be taken for granted, and that we must thank all living things in order to align our minds with the natural world. This prayer is the backbone of the Iroquois culture.

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supplies us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and squash, which give us life.
We return thanks to the bushes and trees, which provide us with fruit.
We return thanks to the wind, which, moving the air, has banished diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to our grandfather He-no, who has given to us his rain.
We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of his children.

It's never too early to start thinking about the main event, tasty sides and holiday company. These recipes are some Ever Ready favorites.

Overnight Cranberry Eggnog Coffee Cake
Cook's Notes:A make ahead coffee cake perfect for holiday entertaining and overnight guests. It's infused with orange zest and eggnog and studded with fresh cranberries. For a healthier dish I substituted non-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream. I chose not to use glaze because I felt there was enough sweetness already in the recipe. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/11/overnight-cranberry-eggnog-coffee-cake.html

Honey Sage Sweet Potatoes, Pears, Cranberries and Toasted Walnuts
Cook's notes: Combine colorful vegetables and a fruit with simple seasonings on an ordinary roasting pan that results in a delicious autumn side dish. Sprinkle vegetables and fruit mixture with a dash of pumpkin pie spice and the dish is irresistible. One small butternut squash can be substituted for sweet potatoes.
Recipe adapted from Midwest Living and serves 4.
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/10/honey-sage-sweet-potatoes-pears-and.html

Wild Rice Salad with Pork Lion Chops and Cherry Plum Sauce
Cook's Notes:A festive holiday meal from Seasonal Plate food column.
  http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/11/seasonal-plate_28.html

Sausage Apple Cornbread Stuffing
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/11/stuffing.html
Cook's Notes: For some it's all about the stuffing- three recipes to choose from 

Mixed Greens with Apples, Grapes Drizzled with Maple Cider Vinaigrette
Cook's Notes: All your favorite fall flavors tossed together in a healthy salad.
http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2016/10/autumn-side-dishes.html

More yummy sides to add to your holiday meal