When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner for our staff here at The Den, we believe side dishes deserve the spotlight. With flavours inspired by our coastal communities of Tofino and Ucluelet, we elevate our favourites with local ingredients! Here’s a closer look at some of your most popular Thanksgiving sides, infused with that unique West Coast flair.
Wild Roasted Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with classic roasted potatoes, but why not take them up a notch? Toss them in a few tablespoons of Forest for Dinner’s Wild Spice Sea Salt before roasting. This seasoning adds a lovely coniferous flavour, featuring wild juniper berries and sweet gale seeds. Consider also tossing in some freshly chopped herbs to enhance the earthy notes.
Wild Spice Sea Salt - Juniper berries and sweet gale seeds sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Roasted Umami Carrots
Roasted carrots are a fantastic side that can easily compete with potatoes. Accompany their natural sweetness with parmesan, Naas Food’s kelp seasonings, and a hint of honey. For an extra layer of flavour, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of balsamic reduction. The combination of sweet and savoury, with that umami punch, makes these carrots a standout dish on your Thanksgiving table.
Kelp Seasoning - Sustainably hand-harvested in Clayoquot Sound. Dried in Tofino, BC.
Mountain Bee Honey - Pure and raw firewood honey harvested in Pemberton, BC.
Pear and Arugula Salad
Wondering how to use up those autumn pears? Try a pear, blue cheese, and arugula salad, tossed in a sweet-sour honey dressing. For the dressing, mix honey with Wild Spice Sea Salt, lemon, and olive oil to create a perfect balance of flavours. Adding candied walnuts or toasted pumpkin seeds will provide a delightful crunch.
Mountain Bee Honey - Pure and raw firewood honey harvested in Pemberton, BC.
Wild Spice Sea Salt - Juniper berries and sweet gale seeds sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Stuffing and Gravy
These two are crucial to a successful Thanksgiving dinner. Surprise your guests by incorporating king bolete powder into your stuffing and gravy mixtures. This rich, nutty flavour will add depth and complexity to your beloved sides. Consider also using homemade bread, sautéed wild mushrooms, and wild herbs [sage and thyme] for a rustic West Coast twist.
King Bolete Powder - Sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Autumn Sips and Snacks
Pre-Dinner Charcuterie
If you’re anything like us, a snacking platter is a must before the big Thanksgiving dinner. Create a stunning charcuterie board featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses. You can elevate your board with spruce tip jelly, marinated morel mushrooms, and pickled spruce tips, which not only add flavour but also a beautiful touch of colour.
Spruce Tip Jelly - Spruce tips sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Marinated Morel Mushrooms - Wild-harvested morel mushrooms.
Pickled Spruce Tips - Spruce tips sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Coastal Cocktails
Looking for the perfect garnishes for your West Coast-inspired cocktails? Nootka rose petals add a delicate floral note to a limoncello spritz. For a cozy after-dinner sip, add rosehips to your favourite whiskey recipe.
Nootka Rose Petals - Sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Rosehips - Sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Day-After Turkey Broth Soup
Got leftover turkey and broth? Transform them into a comforting soup by incorporating some king bolete mushroom powder. This will enhance the richness of the broth, offering a warm, earthy flavour that’s perfect for a chilly autumn day. Toss in seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, and maybe a handful of wild rice for texture, and you’ll have a wonderfully hearty meal.
King Bolete Powder - Sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Leftover Turkey Sandwich
One of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner is the leftovers! The variations of leftover turkey sandwiches are endless, but our favourites include a generous amount of Wild Blueberry Jelly or Spruce Tip Jelly. These sweet toppings perfectly complement the tender turkey, making every bite a delicious blend of flavours.
Wild Blueberry Jelly - Blueberries sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
Spruce Tip Jelly - Spruce tips sustainably harvested on Vancouver Island.
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For all of your autumn meals, enjoy the bounty of our local ingredients and celebrate the flavors that make this season so special!