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35 Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Still need to plan your Thanksgiving menu? If you're looking for inspiration, then check out this fantastic round-up Classic Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes on Taste As You Go! You know how some people get really excited about the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks? That's how excited I get about turning the calendar over to November. Because November means the coming of the holiday season and the celebration of Thanksgiving. As much as we look forward to spending the day in the company of loved ones, Stephen and I have decided to stay home this year so we can enjoy our first Thanksgiving as a family of three. Of course, staying home means that I'll be cooking the big meal, and I have to admit that I'm a little intimidated by the idea. I know I have to plan for certain must-haves -- roast turkey, apple chestnut stuffing , and green bean casserole -- but I'm having a hard time choosing which additional side dishes to make. While I want there t

A Taste of Tuscany: Osteria del Borgo - Montepulciano, Italy

Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

This is the second post in my Taste of Tuscany series.

When my husband and I were in Italy for our honeymoon, we refused to overextend ourselves and avoided packing our schedule with strings of sightseeing tours. Apart from the occasional dinner reservation and winery tour, we didn't schedule much of anything. 

We were on our first real vacation in years and recognized that allowing time to simply relax was just as meaningful as exploring every corner of the Tuscan countryside.

Montepulciano - Photo by Taste As You Go

After our arrival in Pisa, we spent the majority of our first day in Italy driving to and getting settled in our B&B. We slept in the following morning and then enjoyed a lovely breakfast in the main house before getting back in our rental car and taking some time taking in what Tuscany had to offer us.

Wooden Doors in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

Balcony with Clothesline in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

Buildings on a Side Street in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

First day trip destination? 

The Renaissance hill town of Montepulciano in the province of Siena. Seriously, we couldn't have picked a better place to start. The main thoroughfare stretches for 1.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande. The carefree nature of the city and of its inhabitants instantly put us at ease, and we didn't rush as we made our way to the top of the hill.

Dog in the Window in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

The Vista in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

Admiring the Archways in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

For some reason, I was obsessed with the doors and the archways that were incorporated into the architecture and design of the buildings. Our leisurely pace made it that much easier for me to stop every three feet to take pictures.

Standing in the Doorway in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

And when I found an arched doorway that was "Michelle-sized" (i.e. just over five feet tall), I had no choice but to flash my best Ciao, bella! smile and have Stephen take a picture of me.

Who knew that photo would turn out to be one of my favorites from the entire trip?

A Bell Tower in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

When we reached the Piazza Grande, we sat for a bit and watched people as they came around the bend. Everything was peaceful and still, and it was refreshing to sit and have nothing to occupy our minds except our own thoughts. And then, our stomachs started growling.

Rather than make our way back down the hill to the cafe we discovered after parking the car (I had to get change for the meter), we grabbed a table outside at Osteria del Borgo.

The View from Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

Osteria del Borgo is an apartment complex offering pet-friendly units for rent, some of which are designed to accommodate families. The facility also provides its guests access to a jacuzzi and free Wi-Fi, as well as a restaurant and on-site wine bar.

Glass of Red Wine at Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano, Italy - Taste As You Go

Bruschette di Pomodoro at Osteria del Borgo in Montepulciano, Italy - Photo by Taste As You Go

Stephen and I kept things simple, ordering two glasses of the Nobile di Montepulciano D.O.G. and two plates of the Bruschette di Pomodoro. The tomatoes were ripe and juicy and seasoned delicately with just a hint of salt and pepper and pieces of torn basil. That's all we needed for a perfect light lunch.

While we ate, I helped Stephen practice his Italian and coached him through the process of signalling for our server and asking for the check. To this day, I can't be sure whether the check arrived because she actually understood what he was attempting to say or because she managed to decipher the meaning behind his hand gestures.

Osteria del Borgo
Via Ricci 7
53045 Montepulciano in Province of Siena, Italy

Taste of Tuscany Series


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Four years agoStrawberry Almond Muffins

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