The holidays are a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. Here in Traverse City, Michigan, the festive season brings a unique charm to our culinary traditions. As the crisp winter air settles in, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a hearty holiday meal surrounded by loved ones. This year, I’m excited to share some of my favorite holiday dishes that perfectly capture the season's essence: mashed sweet potatoes, homemade no-added-sugar cranberry sauce, and roasted turkey with butter-soaked cheesecloth. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes and discover why they hit my holiday table.

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple, and for good reason. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with various main courses. My go-to recipe for mashed sweet potatoes is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Here’s how I prepare them:

Ingredients:

• Four large sweet potatoes

• Two tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Please place them in a large pot of water and bring them to a boil.

2. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

3. Add butter, milk, and cinnamon. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   
   

These mashed sweet potatoes are rich and flavorful, with just a hint of spice to enhance their natural sweetness. They’re a perfect side dish for traditional and modern holiday menus.

2. Homemade No-Added-Sugar Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a classic holiday favorite but often contains sugar. My homemade cranberry sauce recipe is naturally sweetened with orange juice, focusing on the cranberries' tart, fresh flavor.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  
  

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries and orange juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.

3. Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon. Allow the sauce to cool before serving.

This cranberry sauce is tangy, lightly sweet, and incredibly refreshing. It’s a beautiful complement to the richness of roasted turkey and adds a burst of color to your holiday spread.

3. Roasted Turkey with Butter-Soaked Cheesecloth

Roasting a turkey is often the centerpiece of a holiday meal, and my favorite method involves using butter-soaked cheesecloth to ensure a moist and flavorful bird. This technique results in a golden-brown, succulent turkey that will impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage)

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 1 head of garlic, halved

• Cheesecloth soaked in melted butter

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry and season the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with herbs, onion, lemon, and garlic.

2. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with melted butter and cover with cheesecloth soaked in more butter.

3. Roast the turkey for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the cheesecloth for 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.

4. Let the turkey rest before carving.

   
   

The cheesecloth helps to keep the turkey moist while creating a deliciously crispy skin. This method ensures every slice is juicy and flavorful, making it the star of your holiday meal.