Side Dish

A recipe that shouldn’t make sense

From the kitchen of: Colleen Schoenecker, Oakdale

This yummy appetizer can be served year-round.

From the kitchen of: Diane Ptacek, Little Canada

The addition of fruit and pecans make this an interesting variation on a traditional holiday side dish.

From the kitchen of: Marjorie Lang, Inver Grove Heights

This cold salad is a refreshingly light, colorful substitute for traditional potato salad.

From the kitchen of: Cindy Quarfoth, Shoreview

A unique side dish that’s a rich, delectable blend of veggies and cheese.

It's the sauerkraut that gives these meatballs the extra tang that keeps people coming back for more.
2nd Place winner in the 2014 Savor the Season Lillie Newspapers holiday recipe contest

Looking festive and seasonal with pecans and pomegranate, this salad can be stretched by adding more greens. Some of our judges said the cayenne and ground pepper "snuck up" on them, but others found the heat just the right accent to spark up a holiday meal.

The color and sweetness of orange and the richness of caramelized almonds make this a special side salad for any occasion.

Joyce Faughnan recommends sage-flavored sausage, which added a seasonal tang that definitely kept our judges coming back for more. Her final tip: "Serve with love."

They'll be clustered around this red, green and white appetizer any time of the year. Make a few batches, put them in pretty jars and present as gifts, packaged with bread or crackers.