Everything But the Turkey with Chef Michael Lemon

Mashed Rutabaga with Nutmeg & Crispy Shallots

A great twist on mashed potatoes. You can also make this recipe with yellow turnips! 

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Put the diced rutabaga pieces in a large pot and cover with stock. Bring to a boil and add the bay leaf and fresh thyme sprigs. 
2. Reduce heat and simmer until the pieces are fork tender. About 20 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and drain. 
4. Puree with butter, the nutmeg and seasoning.
5. Top with crispy shallots.

Lemon Glazed Sweet Potato

Delicious lemony glaze and caramelized sweet potatoes - this will be a fan favorite. 

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the potatoes 

1. Put the potatoes in a large pot & cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender but not soft. 
3. Drain the potatoes. Let them cool.

Make the Glaze 

1. Put the water, sugar, and salt in a non-reactive saucepan. 
2. Bring to a vigorous boil over medium high heat, stirring just until the sugar is dissolved. Boil for 5 minutes. 
3.  Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and nutmeg.

Bake It

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Butter a shallow baking dish. 
3. Peel the cooled sweet potatoes. Cut lengthwise into quarters or sixths, depending on how large the potatoes are. Arrange the potato slices in a buttered baking dish in a single layer.
4. Pour the lemon-flavored syrup over them.
5. Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Baste 2 or 3 times, until the sweet potatoes are glazed and begin to caramelize slightly. The edges of some may begin to darken, which is delicious.

Finish

1. Garnish and serve. Top with parsley and a fresh grating of nutmeg. Serve hot.

Apple Pie (with Homemade Pie Dough)

A classic autumn dessert made even better with homemade pie dough, or Pate Brisee. 

Ingredients

Instructions

For the Pie Dough

1. Mix flour, salt, sugar in until just combined. 
2. Add grated butter and mix until dough is coarse. 
3. Add the ice water and mix until dough holds together.
4. Turn dough onto work surface. Divide into 2 equal pieces and wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

For the Filling

1. Peel the apples, core, slice each quarter into 4 slices. 
2. Place the apple wedges in layers in the pan and when half full, sprinkle with half the nutmeg and half the sugar. 
3. Continue to fill the pans with apples until they are level with the top and slice an additional apple. Dot the apples with the butter and remaining sugar. 
4. Top with dough and make vents. 
5. Bake for 10 min at 425 degrees. Lower to 350 and continue baking until the crust is golden.

Sweet Potato Pie (with Homemade Pie Dough)

Chef Lemon's favorite dish! Great for Thanksgiving dessert -- and frankly, all year 'round. 

Ingredients

Instructions

For the Pie Dough

1. Mix flour, salt, sugar in until just combined. 
2. Add grated butter and mix until dough is coarse. 
3. Add the ice water and mix until dough holds together.
4. Turn dough onto work surface. Divide into 2 equal pieces and wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

For the Filling 

1. Bake and peel the potatoes. Whip until smooth and silky. 
2. Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, condensed milk, butter, and vanilla and continue to blend. 
3. Bake at 350 degrees until firm, about 40-45 minutes.