I LOVE Thanksgiving. The turkey is good. The desserts are certainly yummy. To me, the real showstoppers are the bounty of sides that we get to chow down in during this meal.
With one bite of these delicious sidekicks, I am flooded with a lifetime of memories. Long car rides being entertained by big brother as we tried not to touch my grandmother's stockings, crammed into the backseat of a Buick on our way to visit with my built-in best friend, otherwise known as my cousin Murph.
Once at my aunt's, all the noise and fun was as overwhelming as it was intoxicating. My dad and his sisters are still torturing each other like a snapshot of them as kids—their annoyed spouses looking on, rolling their eyes at one another. The only thing that paused the scene was all the incredible food- stuffing, mashed potatoes, string beans, and for me at the center was my mom's spinach and sausage pie. This phenomenal savory pie only rolled out on Thanksgiving. It is memories of a childhood holiday stuffed into a flaky crust.
When the baton was passed and my turn to host my favorite holiday, the first dish to make the menu was Spinach and Sausage Pie.
Over the years, I have made some changes. I have discovered that this pie can be altered to satisfy any craving you may have. Want a taste of Italy? Use ricotta cheese and mozzarella. Need to avoid cow's milk? Use all goat milk cheeses. Want to keep it vegetarian? Use a meat alternative or leave it out all together!
This pie is tastier the next day and freezes like a champ! When I take the first bite, I ask myself why I don't make it all year round. It is just that good!
