Farm Kitchen - Holiday Sides

A few weeks ago I shared my fool-proof method for cooking a delicious holiday Prime Rib with you.  Now that Thanksgiving has passed it is time to start planning for that Christmas or New Years Dinner.  After all, it will be one of our last chances to really eat before we all try to stick to that resolution to lose 30 pounds!  I hope you will consider trying the Prime Rib so I am going to entice you even further by providing you with some accompaniments that will pair with it deliciously!

Roasted Smashed Potatoes

These potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside and the addition of fresh herbs gives them an earthy, complex flavor.

Small round, Gold Potatoes (Cook as many as you need for your family, plus some!)
Fresh Herbs – such as thyme, rosemary and oregano
Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper

Preheat your oven to 450. Begin by microwaving the potatoes until they are tender.  This step is important. I have tried boiling the potatoes and the results just weren’t the same.  Remove the potatoes and place them in a large glass roasting pan.  All of the potatoes should fit without being stacked on top of each other.  Use the bottom of a clean juice glass or small mason jar to press and slightly flatten the potatoes.  You want the skins to crack and for some of the insides to start oozing out! 

Grate two to three cloves of garlic over the potatoes.  Chop the herbs of your choice and toss in along with kosher salt and pepper to your liking.  Pour on a few tablespoons of olive oil and toss with a spatula until the potatoes are coated with the oil, herbs and other seasonings.

Place the roasting pan in a 450 oven.  Bake the potatoes about 15 minutes and then flip them.  Bake another 15 minutes.  The skins of the potatoes should be golden and crispy.  Adjust cooking times as needed.  The potatoes are GREAT served as is but are good topped with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Creamed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts get a bad rap.  If they are cooked and seasoned well they are absolutely delicious.  Please try them!

1 pkg of FRESH Brussels sprouts
2 slices of bacon, diced (optional)
2 Tbs. Butter
Salt
Fresh Grated Nutmeg
½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Trim the cut end off of the sprouts and cut each one in half.  Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the prepped Brussels sprouts to the water and boil until tender.  Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet cook the diced bacon until it begins to crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside for later.  Add 2 Tablespoons of butter and cook until melted.  Add the cooked Brussels sprouts and toss to coat with butter and bacon fat.  Cook over high heat to brown the Brussels sprout.  Only stir as needed to prevent burning but a brown caramelization will add to the flavor.

Pour in ½ cup of heavy whipping cream.  Cover and let sit over low heat about 5 minutes until the cream is absorbed.  Add kosher salt to taste and a few grates of fresh nutmeg. Enjoy!

Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire Pudding comes from Yorkshire, England and is traditionally served with roasted meats. It is a simple and tasty alternative to rolls or bread.

*Prepare batter at least 1 hour in advance.

2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cup milk
4 Tbsp melted butter
5 eggs, beaten
Roast drippings

Preheat the oven to 450.  Combine flour and salt.  Add milk, butter and eggs and whisk until no lumps remain.  Refrigerate the batter for at least an hour.  Place a teaspoon of roast dripping into the bottom of each section of a muffin tin.  Place the muffin tin into the hot oven for about 10 minutes to heat the drippings.  Divide the batter evenly between the muffin tin wells filling each about 1/3 full.  Cook for 15 minutes then reduce the oven heat to 350 and cook 15 more minutes or until the puddings are puffed and golden.  Enjoy!

Julie Kohl writes her own blog Eggs and Herbs…wherecreativity meets the farm, where she concentrates on her love for cooking and crafting on her small Arkansas farm. Julie is also one of the founding members of Arkansas Women Bloggers, an online and real-life community where women bloggers can Gather, Grow and Connect.