I recently had a request from one of my Glen Ellyn personal chef clients. She is having a houseful at Thanksgiving, and is looking forward to making a lot of the food herself, with some help from her sisters in law! She asked for my help in coming up with some healthy, bright side dishes. She and her husband are very healthy eaters, and she knew she would have to serve stuffing, turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes for all of the purists in her crowd, but wanted to incorporate some nice crunchy, bright additions. I gave her some great recipes for a panzanella salad and green beans gremolata. The dish has bright quickly roasted haricots vert with fresh rosemary, garlic and lemon. It is a really welcome change from the same old green bean casserole! Everyone I’ve made that for loves it.
As a personal chef, I welcome special requests like this. My client actually really enjoys cooking a few times a year; especially at the holidays. I was more than happy to help her come up with a menu, and some time saving tips and do-ahead ideas. In years past, she is always happy to pass the kitchen duties back over to me until next time! Christmas is right around the corner!