The Big Book of Sides

How is it already Thanksgiving week? This time of year is such a great time to gather with family and friends to celebrate and offer gratitude for the wonderful gifts in life. I am so thankful for my family, my overall health and all of you. I really appreciate you visiting my island of life with me!

May you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

If you are cooking for Thanksgiving as a guest or host, I have a side dish idea to share with you.

I wanted to share a video recipe from Rick Rodgers for a Bacon Onion Marmalade that sounds amazing. I find it fun to change up the traditional menu by adding a few new dishes each year and saw this video from Rick.

Rick just released his new book, The Big Book of Sides. Talk about inspiration, there are more that 450 foolproof recipes in the book!

Rick is also an award-winning cooking teacher, and has traveled all over the world as a culinary instructor. His sold-out classes in grilling and Thanksgiving are annual events at the best cooking schools in the nation. He was named Outstanding Cooking Teacher by Bon Appétit Magazine, an honor he shares with Bobby Flay, Rick Bayless, and only eight others.

Today, I am happy to share with you Ricks video recipe for Bacon Onion and Bourbon Marmalade.

Yum - right?

How awesome does that marmalade sound.? He had me at bacon....

Anyways, I have had a chance to review the Big Book of Sides. This is one comprehensive cookbook with more recipes I have seen in a cookbook in a long time.

 

What makes this book really great is the detailed tutorials on grilling and deep-frying as well tips on pantry stocking, cooking proportions,  preparation methods and special occasion menus, in addition to the 450 recipes. There are so many recipes to choose from and there are tons of vegetable ideas that sound great.

 

This is a big recipe book and the chapters give you a lot of insight to the different types of side dishes. It also has many unique recipes that are not your average side dishes. Here are a few that caught my eye:

• Asparagus with Seared Lemon and Tarragon
• Gruyère Popovers
• mushroom Bourguignon
• Roasted Ratatouille
• Prosecco Mimosa Salad
• Buttermilk and Sage Spoon Bread
• Slaw with Radishes and Cilantro
• Root Beer Baked Beans
• Garlicky Smashed Potatoes

Now is your chance to win a copy of this fabulous cookbook for yourself or a friend. Giveaway is open to US Residents 18 and over. Giveaway ends Monday, December 1, 2014 at midnight PST.

Entries are earned as follows:

• Leave a me a comment and tell me which side dish you would make first if you had this book.
• You can earn an extra entry by following @CookBookRick on Twitter. Then leave me a comment letting me know that you did.
• You can earn an extra entry by following @4RosesBourbon on Twitter. Then leave me a comment letting me know that you did.

UPDATE - THIS GIVEAWAY IS OVER.

 

What is your family's favorite side dish any time of year?

 

Video posted with permission.