Nut-Free

Quickly cooking peeled, diced potatoes, then letting them dry slightly, will give you consistently light mashed potatoes.

The foundation of this étouffée-like dish is a brown roux that lends a deep, nutty flavor. The gravy pairs well with the Grits Dressing, biscuits, and turkey.

This rich, soufflé-like dressing derives its texture from stone-ground grits.

Plan at least one day ahead to let the turkey—seasoned with the homemade Cajun Spice Mix—cure overnight.

Make or buy a savory cornbread to use in this luxurious oyster stuffing recipe; the kind you use will determine how much broth you'll need to moisten it.