If we’re all being honest here, the “turkey” part of Thanksgiving dinner tends to be the least impressive part of the yearly feast. That’s generally because turkey dries out easily and lacks the natural flavor of heartier meats like lamb, pork, and prime rib. So, on a typical Thanksgiving table, the turkey plays second fiddle to more interesting side dishes like mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, and Brussels sprouts. Are you looking to take your side dishes to the next level? Try these smoked Thanksgiving sides.
However, enterprising cooks are always seeking ways to elevate the Thanksgiving turkey and turn it into a dish worth craving. For pro chefs, a tried-and-true solution to the flavorless turkey problem is “brining,” a pre-roasting process designed to seal in moisture and add touches of spices, herbs, and other seasonings.
